While one might anticipate Carlos Alcaraz singling out Novak Djokovic as the opponent he’s most apprehensive about facing, he has actually pointed out that two of his younger competitors are quite formidable and challenging to play against.
Carlos Alcaraz and Djokovic have taken part in three of the most memorable matches of 2023, with their epic French Open semi-final baked up by a remarkable Wimbledon final.
The top two players in the game then played arguably the match of the year in the Cincinnati Masters final, with Djokovic finding a way to win in a contest that suggested the world No 1 and No 2 are in a league of their own at the top of the men’s game.
Yet Alcaraz has now suggested that matches against Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner send a shiver of fear down his spine more than any others, with both players recording wins against him in recent weeks.
Medvedev inflicted a surprise defeat on Alcaraz in the US Open semi-finals, as he found a recipe to beat the Spaniard and end the tennis world’s hopes of another Djokovic vs Alcaraz final.
Sinner’s win against Alcaraz in the China Open last week was arguably more alarming for the Wimbledon champion, as he was well beaten by his Italian rival as he lost the second set of the match 6-1.
That allowed Sinner to open up a winning record against Alcaraz, as he now leads 4-3 in their head-to-head meetings.
Now Alcaraz has commented on the threat he feels when he takes on Medvedev and Sinner, claiming he was looking forward to playing both at the Shanghai Masters.
READ MORE: The Novak Djokovic effect: How Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to up his game for No 1 ranking
Alcaraz’s possible path to victory in the ATP 1000 event will not feature a clash with Medvedev after his shock defeat against Sebastian Korda on Sunday, but it is clear that Alcaraz has huge respect for two players who are now inside the top four in the ATP rankings.
“But both are players that probably, you know, it’s scary to face them,” said Alcaraz of Medvedev and Sinner.
“I like that kind of challenge. I’m really wanting that. I want to play my best level to find the final and probably face them.”
Alcaraz has also claimed he knows why he lost against Sinner in Beijing last week and he has vowed to put it right if he gets a chance to play against the Italian in Shanghai.
“Well, I talked with Juan Carlos (Ferrero, his coach) on how I would have to change it, you know, how can I be better, you know, on that part.
“Obviously, I have to do my homework, to re-watch the match (against Sinner) and to see things more clearly, you know, and study what happened exactly, and be able to practice and be better on this tournament.
“I have just one day to practice and then the tournament is going to start, but I think I’ll be ready, and I’ll change what I did wrong in Beijing.”
On his match-ups with Sinner, Alcaraz added: “We have a good rivalry. I am a guy who doesn’t want to lose in any match. Against him it is different.
“I feel a difference. Every time I beat him or lose against him is different. I learn something from every match I play against him.
“It would be great if (the rivalry) was like Rafa and Roger. It would be the dream. For ourselves and the tennis fans.”
