Carlos Alcaraz ‘silences critics’ with ‘perfect’ display to set up Novak Djokovic showdown

Ewan West
Carlos Alcaraz is pumped at the ATP Finals
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates at 2023 ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning performance to defeat Daniil Medvedev and set up a mouth-watering clash with Novak Djokovic at the 2023 ATP Finals. 

The world No 2 described Djokovic as “unbelievable” and believes playing the great Serb at the year-end championships will be “one of the most difficult challenges” he will face.

Alcaraz defeated Medvedev 6-4, 6-4 in his final round-robin match in Turin on Friday afternoon to top the Red Group, meaning he will face Djokovic – who finished second in the Green Group – in the semi-finals.

The Spaniard produced his best display in recent months as he saved the only two break points he faced in the fourth game of the match and broke once in each set to down the world No 3.

The 20-year-old now holds a 3-2 record against the 27-year-old Russian, who he lost to in four sets in the US Open semi-finals in September, with all of his wins coming in 2023.

Medvedev, who defeated Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in his first two matches, had already guaranteed his qualification and will take on world No 4 Jannik Sinner, who posted a 3-0 group stage record.

READ MORE: Greg Rusedski makes big Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune prediction

Speaking in an on-court interview, Alcaraz identified his mental toughness as being crucial in his one-hour-and-21-minute victory.

“I think that the most important thing that I did today was to stay strong mentally. There was a few games with my serve that I was struggling a little bit,” said the Spaniard.

“His return game is amazing and he puts so much pressure on you on your serve. So I think, stay calm and stay strong mentally in those moments was the key to give myself a chance to win this match.”

The two-time Grand Slam champion also looked ahead to his semi-final showdown with world No 1 and defending champion Djokovic, who he holds a 2-2 record against.

“Well, it’s one of the most difficult challenges that I’m gonna face, facing Novak in the ATP Finals tournament that he has won six times. And obviously, Novak is Novak, he is the best player in the world right now,” declared the young star.

“He just lost six matches this year, so that means he is unbelievable. I’m gonna put my best tennis and I’m gonna enjoy, the same way that I’m doing these few past matches. So I’m excited to face Novak.”

Mark Petchey, a commentator for Amazon Prime Video, lauded Alcaraz’s performance and argued the Spaniard had proven his doubters wrong.

“It is the best four players in the world who will appear on ‘Super Saturday in Turin.’ And look how much it means to him. Lots of talk after his opening match here, and he has silenced all of his critics, all of the doubters. A simply perfect performance from Alcaraz,” said the former world No 80.

READ MORE: Insane Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer streak extended in Turin – by Jannik Sinner

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