Carlos Alcaraz makes Novak Djokovic confession ahead of potential US Open final
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted he has already thought about a potential US Open final against Novak Djokovic on Sunday, with the match the tennis world is waiting to witness now edging ever closer.
The Spanish world number one became the second man in the Open era, behind Andre Agassi, to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows three times before turning 21.
Alcaraz, looking to do the Wimbledon and US Open double, will face Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in Friday night’s semis and remains on course for another final showdown with Novak Djokovic, who he beat in July’s epic SW19 showpiece.
Zverev, the German 12th seed, has proved he is back at the top of the sport this fortnight after eight months out following the horror ankle injury he suffered against Rafael Nadal at last year’s French Open.
But the 2020 runner-up was unable to halt the Alcaraz juggernaut in a 6-3 6-2 6-4 defeat inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Now Alcaraz admits he has allowed himself to look ahead to a possible US Open final against Djokovic, even though he has to get past Medvedev and the Serbian needs to overcome American youngster Ben Shelton.
“Obviously, it’s closer than the beginning of the tournament,” said Alcaraz.
“We are just one match from that potential final. It could be great to play a final against Novak here, but both of us have really tough semi-finals, so let’s see. Obviously both of us are looking to that final.”
Alcaraz was the rising star of the game when he won the US Open last year, but he is now an established champion and admitted he is a better player now than he was a year ago.
“I’m very, very comfortable playing in this court, playing here in New York. I am showing my best level here,” he continued.
“Last year was very tough, since the fourth round I played five sets to get to the final.
“Here I’ve played just one match that has gone to four sets. I feel great physically and I’m ready to play a great battle with Medvedev in the semi-finals.
“I am more mature now. I grew up a lot since last year.
“Last year was my first semi-final of a Grand Slam. Now this is my fourth one. Now I feel like I am a totally different player. I deal better with the pressure in the big moments. I’m a different person and player.”
Alcaraz improved his remarkable record in Grand Slams to 24-1 dating back to last year’s US Open, with his only defeat in a major event coming against Djokovic at the US Open.
He won last year’s US Open, missed the Australian Open due to injury and is now just two wins away from defending his US Open title.
The remarkable rise of Alcaraz shows no sign of stopping and even thought Djokovic will be back at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, this young Spanish superstar will cement his place as the new king of tennis if he can lift the title in New York once again on Sunday.
READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios hits out at ‘idiotic’ question directed at Novak Djokovic and makes GOAT claim
