Carlos Alcaraz could give Novak Djokovic the push he needs to become undisputed GOAT
Carlos Alcaraz’s ascension might just have come at the perfect time for Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic will retake the world No 1 ranking after the US Open and seems to be reinvigorated by a fresh rivalry.
Former WTA world No 1 Justine Henin believes that this is just what Djokovic needs in the latter stages of his career.
“He always wants more, but how can he not be serene? He has dominated men’s tennis for years,” Henin said on the Eurosport broadcast from the US Open.
“This new rivalry [vs Alcaraz] is good for him. He went for the record at Roland-Garros, which was a huge moment of peace. There were tears at Wimbledon because you always want to win another title.
“But it feeds off that and this final in Cincinnati…you couldn’t ask for a better rivalry.
“That gives him new energy as he enters the final phase of his career.”
Henin also feels that his absence from US events for the last two years has added extra fuel to the Djokovic fire.
“Coming back to New York, where he has experienced so many emotions in recent years and felt the love of the public [vs Medvedev] is great for him,” Henin commented.
Djokovic has insisted that he has missed the US Open despite claiming that the centre court stadium presents some of the toughest conditions to play in at any of the Grand Slams.
“It’s loudest and probably the most humid conditions of all center courts of all four Grand Slams,” Djokovic said.
“For some reason, ever since the roof construction was introduced, I feel we have less breeze and less circulation of the year inside. Players are really soaking wet. I can see everyone, even myself. You sweat so much on the court.
“But it is the biggest stadium we have in tennis. This court has seen so much history and so many battles. Everyone knows in tennis that night sessions at Arthur Ashe definitely are the most exciting, fun, loud, energetic sessions you can have out there on the tennis world.
“It’s the size. It’s the echo because of the roof construction. It’s everything combined. Just people, New Yorkers, love their tennis. They don’t care if they stay up very late, post midnight, because they get excited.
“I love it. It’s great because every Grand Slam has its own charm in a way. Comparing to, for example, Wimbledon, it’s a complete contrast. In Wimbledon it’s different than here. Here is all about entertainment, fun, good energy, good vibes.
“If you can feed on that, you’ll have a lot of fun.”
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