Novak Djokovic did not get the chance to play Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. Both players had fought for almost four hours at the final of the Cincinnati Masters. Since then, they have yet to have a chance to play against each other. Djokovic made his way into Valencia for the Davis Cup matches and was hoping to clash with Alcaraz yet again. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old had to withdraw from the event.
Serbia will face Spain in their second group-stage match at the Davis Cup. It would have been the first time both players faced off at the event and their fifth meeting overall. Both players share two wins each against each other.
About missing the clash, Djokovic said, “The truth is that I expected to play against Carlos here in Valencia, he is a player who I respect a lot. whenever I have measured him they have been very hard matches, he is a person and an incredible player.” Djokovic’s presence is an added advantage for Serbia.
🇷🇸 Djokovic, speaking today, says he’s disappointed and surprised that Alcaraz won’t play the Davis Cup tie against Serbia:
“The truth is that I expected to play against Carlos here in Valencia, he is a player who I respect a lot, whenever I have measured him they have been very… pic.twitter.com/g9ah2k5UJE
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 13, 2023
Djokovic will be fired up after a thunderous welcome at the Belgrade palace a few days ago. The Serbian might face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first match against Spain. Serbia has played two ties at the Davis Cup this year and is yet to lose a rubber. They will try to maintain a clean slate when facing the Spaniards.
Novak Djokovic may be tired but not resting anytime soon
Djokovic is one of the oldest players on tour and the only 35-plus-year-old in the top 35. The world No. 1 is not slowing down, even though his juniors are taking a hike after the end of the US Open. Djokovic played 49 matches last year and has already played 50 this year. He is expected to cross the 60-match mark this season.
On asking about Djokovic’s schedule, his coach and former player, Goran Ivanisevic, said he would rest after the Davis Cup. Ivanisevic also said that Djokovic might not play in China. The news is a bit surprising, as the Shanghai Masters 1000 event will be held at the end of this month. Ivanisevic confirmed he could play in the Paris Masters 1000 instead of the Nitto ATP finals.
Smiles all round 😃 @DjokerNole meeting teammates Miomir and Laslo during his arrival to Valencia 🇪🇸#DavisCup | @TSSRBIJE pic.twitter.com/3oWOx4S2u8
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 13, 2023
Djokovic will need a lot of rest to prepare for the year-end championship. He can afford to miss a few events as he leads Alcaraz by 3260 points in the rankings race. Djokovic will now consider carrying his country’s hopes at the Davis Cup.
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