Novak Djokovic sends message to Carlos Alcaraz ahead of US Open

28 August 2023 , 16:39

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Novak Djokovic says he would relish the chance to face Carlos Alcaraz in this year's US Open (Image: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has his sights set on a rematch with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.

Djokovic is going into the tournament at Flushing Meadows attempting to be crowned champion for the first time since 2018. The Serbian was not involved in last year’s competition having been denied entry to the United States over not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Now the 23-time grand slam winner will be looking to add to his collection in Queens, having won the US Open three times previously. But to do so he may have to see off the challenge of Alcaraz in the final at Flushing Meadows, two months after the Spanish teenager beat the Serbian in the Wimbledon final.

The duo also met in the semi-final of the French Open in June, with Djokovic winning that particular contest. And just before the US Open, Djokovic and Alcaraz also met in the final of the Cincinnati Masters with Djokovic winning in three sets. And he revealed he would like to be on the court against Alcaraz again, a feeling he believes he shares with tennis fans around the world.

The 36-year-old has enjoyed rivalries against tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the past and now could be the start of another with Alcaraz. “I'm not so sure about that, but I'll try to play at a high level for as long as possible,” Djokovic told , when asked if he could foresee competing against Alcaraz for the next 10 years.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

Novak Djokovic could take on Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final (PA)

“We have played three amazing, epic matches against each other at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati recently. All the matches went the distance; they were physically gruelling and demanding, but very exciting and close matches. “The fans want to see a rivalry; they want to see the best players in the world go toe-to-toe. Hopefully we can give them another match here in New York.”

Djokovic begins his quest to reach the US Open final against Alexandre Muller in the first round. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will play Dominik Koepfer in his first-round contest, with each game being played at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Mark Wakefield