Alcaraz the man to beat on clay, says Djokovic

Rome, May 12 (BNA): World number one Novak Djokovic said that Carlos Alcaraz is the man who has been defeated on clay and is one of the best contenders for the French Open title.

Alcaraz won clay court titles in Barcelona and Madrid after starting an injury-plagued season with the Buenos Aires crown, and Djokovic is set to jump to the top of the rankings after the current Italian Open.

Rafa Nadal, the 14-time Roland Garros champion, has been dealing with a groin injury he sustained at the Australian Open in January, and fears are growing that the Spaniard could miss the Paris Grand Slam.

Djokovic, 35, told reporters in Rome that Alcaraz deserved to be number one. “He will be number one after this tournament no matter what. Well deserved.” “He’s been playing some very good tennis, which is a great level.

He’s the player to beat on this deck, no doubt. “Of course, it depends on whether Nadal plays in the French Open or not. But Alcaraz is one of the favorites without any dilemma.”

Djokovic, who skipped the US hard court swing due to not being vaccinated for COVID-19, said he hopes to reignite his rivalry with US Open champion Alcaraz with a possible final meeting on the cards in Rome.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who plays Thomas Martin Echeverri, said later on Friday he had overcome a right elbow problem that kept him out of Madrid. “Everything is good.

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