Alcaraz’s unexpected confrontation with Djokovic upon his arrival in Paris

Carlos Alcaraz20 years, and Novak Djokovic36, has not met in a tournament since the Serbian became US Open champion, adding his twenty-fourth Grand Slam title.

Next, the Murcian announced his withdrawal from the Davis Cup in Valencia, citing mental and physical fatigue, while the Serbian attended, qualifying Serbia for the Finals in Malaga, in a group with the Czech Republic and where Spain and Korea are omitted. from the south.

‘Nole’ then decided to take a long break, avoiding the Chinese tour where he debuted. Alcarazwith semifinals in Beijing and round of 16 in Shanghai.

Absent the expected result in Asia, reporting certain foot and back problems that caused him to miss this week in Basel, Alcaraz He will face the final two events, the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris and the ATP Finals in Turin, with a 500-point disadvantage in the fight to wrest the season number one from Djokovic.

Paris will award 1,000 points at best, Turin has a maximum haul of 1,500 for an undefeated champion, only awarding points for games won in the group stage and the playoff from the semi-finals.

Alcaraz and Djokovic They met again in Paris. The two best of the season were direct rivals, but their ranking determined that they would not meet until the final.

Using this premise, both were surprised by the reservation of the court to measure themselves in practice. No. tries 1 and No. 2 how their rhythm and sensation after a long time without playing officially, more than the case of the Balkans.

It’s not unusual for numbers 1 and 2 to work together in a major event, but a hypothetical final between them on Sunday, November 5, is far-fetched, especially with a draw among all the top players.

The Italian Jannik Sinner, champion in Vienna, and the Russian Daniel Medvedev his victim in the final, will be the opponent in the semifinals of Djokovic and Alcaraz, respectively.