With his larger-than-life personality, the American celebrity brings an extra spark to any event that he attends in the UAE
sports1 day ago
Carlos Alcaraz said he hoped to re-ignite his rivalry with world number one Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open, where the pair can meet for the first time this year, if they both reach the final.
They have been kept apart by injuries to both and the absence of 22-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic from the US hardcourt swing earlier in the season due to being unvaccinated for Covid-19.
Alcaraz will leapfrog Djokovic into top spot in the world rankings after the Rome tournament and the 20-year-old Spaniard is eager to test himself against one of the game's greats.
"Being in the same tournament Novak is in is great, having him here and learning from him," said Alcaraz, who began his Rome campaign on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
"It's always good having the best tennis players in the world in the tournament. I hope to meet him in the final.
"I always say that as a tennis fan I want to see the best players in the world, to watch them, learn from them, because you have to learn from everyone.
"It's great to share the tournament."
Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in three sets in the Madrid semifinals last year in their first meeting, said his biggest rival was still himself.
"It's not only for me, it's for everyone," Alcaraz added. "You have to control yourself, your emotions first, then play against the opponent.
"You have to choose the correct (tactics and shots) in every moment. That's really tough because we have just seconds before hitting the ball. It's not just for me, it's for everyone."
ALSO READ:
With his larger-than-life personality, the American celebrity brings an extra spark to any event that he attends in the UAE
sports1 day ago
The Men's Club Captain says JGE has become the epicentre of local talent and a flag-bearer for golf in the UAE
sports1 day ago
Celebrating its 75th anniversary year, the championship promised an unprecedented two-hour extravaganza featuring all the teams and drivers
sports2 days ago
Nabi blew the gaff after Afghanistan registered a famous ODI series win over Bangladesh in Sharjah on Monday
sports2 days ago
The UAE national team finished runners-up in the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic
sports2 days ago
The final countdown is on for the all-important ‘UGC Player Auction’ which is just days away!
sports2 days ago
UAE Resident and The Brain & Performance Centre ambassador Nicolas Colsaerts in the commentary box for World Feed
sports2 days ago
The American looks to add the coveted trophy to his memorable BMW PGA Championship win at Wentworth Club
sports2 days ago