Carlos Alcaraz Is The Player To Beat On Clay, Says Djokovic

After the Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz might overtake Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings.

Novak Djokovic, the world number one, believes Carlos Alcaraz is the man to beat on clay and one of the top candidates for the French Open. After beginning an injury-plagued season with the Buenos Aires championship, Alcaraz has won back-to-back claycourt titles in Barcelona and Madrid, and is set to pass Djokovic into the top place in the rankings following the present Italian Open.

Rafa Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros winner, has been suffering with a hip ailment sustained during the Australian Open in January, and worries are mounting that he could miss the Paris Grand Slam. Djokovic, 35, told media in Rome that Alcaraz deserved to be ranked first. "Whatever happens, he'll be number one after this tournament." "And rightly so," he added.

"He's been playing some fantastic tennis at a high level." Without a question, he is the player to beat on this surface.

"Of course, it depends on whether or not Nadal plays in the French Open." But Alcaraz is without a doubt one of the top favourites."

Djokovic, who missing the American hardcourt swing due to being unvaccinated for COVID-19, said he intended to revive his rivalry with US Open champion Alcaraz, with a possible final encounter in Rome on the cards. "We only faced each other once last year in Madrid," said Djokovic, who lost that match in three sets.

"If we get a chance to meet here, it will be in the final." I believe we'd both like to participate in the championship game."

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry later on Friday, claimed he had recovered from a right elbow injury that had kept him out of Madrid. "Everything is OK. At this stage, there are usually a few things that worry you. "It's normal," Djokovic explained.

"I guess you experience that a little more when you're not 25 anymore than when you were." It takes a little longer to recuperate."