IMAGE: Carlos Alcaraz is poised to leapfrog Novak Djokovic into top spot in the rankings after the ongoing Italian Open. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters
World quantity one Novak Djokovic mentioned Carlos Alcaraz is the man to beat on clay and is one of the top title contenders for the French Open.
Alcaraz has gained back-to-back claycourt titles in Barcelona and Madrid after starting an injury-hit season with the Buenos Aires crown and is poised to leapfrog Djokovic into top spot in the rankings after the ongoing Italian Open.
Rafael Nadal, a 14-time champion at Roland Garros, has been coping with a hip harm he suffered at the Australian Open in January and fears are rising the Spaniard might miss the Paris Grand Slam.
Djokovic, 35, advised reporters in Rome that Alcaraz was worthy of the quantity one rating.
“He’s going to be quantity one after this event no matter occurs. Deservedly so,” he added. “He has been taking part in some very spectacular tennis, an incredible stage. He’s the participant to beat on this floor, little question.
“Of course, it depends upon if Nadal goes to play in the French Open or not. But Alcaraz is one of the top favourites with none dilemma.”
Djokovic, who skipped the American hardcourt swing as he was unvaccinated for COVID-19, mentioned he hoped to reignite his rivalry with US Open champion Alcaraz with a possible closing assembly on the playing cards in Rome.
“We confronted one another solely as soon as final 12 months in Madrid,” mentioned Djokovic, who misplaced that match in three units. “If we get an opportunity to face one another right here, it will be in the closing. I feel we might each like to play in the closing.”
The 22-times Grand Slam champion, who performs Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a while Friday, mentioned he had overcome a proper elbow downside that stored him out of Madrid.
“It’s all good. There’s at all times some issues right here and there that hassle you at this stage. It’s regular,” Djokovic mentioned.
“When you are not 25 anymore, I assume you expertise {that a} bit greater than what was once the case. It takes a bit extra time to get better.”
