Djokovic: "Alcaraz is great on and off the track"

Novak Djokovicsemifinalist of the Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid after beating Pole Hubert Hurkacz on Friday, confirmed Carlos Alcaraz was “good on and off the court”, but stressed that “the biggest challenge in the sport is playing against Rafael Nadal in beaten ground “.

The world number one referred, at a press conference, to his two possible rivals in the semifinals.

“I have no preference. I focus on myself,” he said about it before knowing that Carlos Alcaraz will be his rival this Saturday.

But asked about the expectations created around Alcaraz, he stated: “There are many things that are special to him. He has already broken many records as the youngest player, top 10. In the last decades we have had incredible champions like Michael Chang “But, nowadays, we’re not used to seeing a teenager and getting into the top 10 and playing at such a high level.”

“His growth, his improvement and his trajectory, especially in the last six months, have been incredible,” he added.

“He is a very good man off the court. I had the opportunity to practice with him and spend a little time off the court with him here in Madrid, and I must say that in all fields, on and off the court. .Very good, “he said.

“I love watching him play, like so many other players on tour. I applaud his game without a doubt. It’s amazing for our sport, without a doubt,” he said. “I think it’s incredible that we have a young player who performs well and who is breathing new life into the world of tennis,” he added.

However, for Djokovic facing Nadal has always been “a special pleasure”.

“He’s the biggest rival of my career, I’ve said it before, for many reasons. One of which is the chances I’ve played against him. It’s probably the biggest challenge you can have in the sport, playing against him on clay. I expect a good fight, “he said of a possible crossover.

In his comfortable victory against Hukarcz, he commented: “It is definitely a positive sign that I am on the right path to reach the desired level of tennis, which is in one of the best tournaments in the world, where the best players are playing. “

“Of course, it gives me confidence and encourages me to keep going. I think in terms of performance, I was very solid today. One break (per set) was enough to win against Hubert, who is a top 10 player and, Of course , he’s always been a difficult player. “

Djokovic said today’s conditions in Madrid, which were warmer, bounced the ball high.

“Of course, when you play a big guy with a big serve, it’s never easy to return it. But I think, especially in the second set, I serve well and put myself in a good position to break his serve. Opportunities, I took advantage of they.Indian.

“I have a lot of positive things to take away from these last two days. Of course, I’m ready for the next round and for another good performance,” he assured in his next fight against Carlos Alcaraz.