Carlos Alcaraz reveals shot he would take from Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz has divulged which shot he would take from each of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to incorporate into his own game.
The Spaniard also reiterated that the prospect of joining forces with legendary compatriot Nadal at the Olympics in Paris this year would be a “dream.”
Alcaraz has played Nadal three times, with the older Spaniard holding a 2-1 head-to-head advantage. Nadal won the pair’s first two meetings, which came at the 2021 Madrid Open and the 2022 Indian Wells Masters.
The duo then contested their third and most recent matchup in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open in 2022, with Alcaraz winning 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 to claim his first win against his idol.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have played five times, with the great Serbian holding a 3-2 edge. The 36-year-old won three of the pair’s four clashes last year, including the last two encounters, while Alcaraz prevailed in an epic five-set Wimbledon final.
The 20-year-old did not get the opportunity to take on 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer before the Swiss icon retired from the sport in September 2022.
Ahead of an exhibition event in Mexico last year, Alcaraz spoke about the influence of the ‘Big Three’ and how he would have relished the chance to play Federer.
“These three great players have had an influence on me and practically all tennis players. I grew up watching them play Grand Slam finals. I’ve always thought I was in [their] place,” he told the media.
“I have worked hard, I had a clear dream that I have pursued. I have had the opportunity to play with Djokovic and Rafa, but not with Federer – I would have loved it.”
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In an interview with Ole ahead of his appearance at this week’s Argentina Open, Alcaraz was asked which shot he would take from each member of the legendary trio to add to his own game.
“I would grab Djokovic’s return, Federer’s serve and Rafa’s forehand,” the world No 2 said.
The two-time Grand Slam champion addressed the possibility of partnering Nadal in doubles at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I would be very excited to be able to play with Rafa, but there are still several months left and both he and I will see if we are well, which is something you never know,” Alcaraz explained.
“Hopefully we can, let’s touch wood that we are well and healthy, because it would be a dream to be able to share a doubles with him at the Olympic Games.”
The Spaniard also spoke about how he has made some adjustments to his approach off the court to try to help prevent injuries.
“I didn’t change my routines and training much, but I did focus on some small things off the court, because it is very important and has an influence on it,” he said in a press conference in Buenos Aires.
“Something that I am improving is the issue of nutrition and rest, which perhaps due to age is I escaped a little. I know that if I am more organized I will avoid injuries in the future.”
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