Carlos Alcaraz feels beating 10-time champion Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open offers him “extra motivation” as he seeks to end the Serbian’s long reign in Melbourne.
Despite missing the Grand Slam last year due to a leg injury, the second-ranked player from Spain is eager to face Djokovic in the Melbourne final.
The veteran has a 3-2 advantage in their five meetings, all of which have taken place in the semifinals or finals.
Djokovic, 36, has not lost in the year’s opening major since 2018, however, Alcaraz, who won a thrilling Wimbledon final last year, stated that it only raised his desire to win.
Alcaraz says the fact Novak Djokovic is almost unbeaten at Australian Open gives him extra motivation, he hopes to play him in the final
“I know it's a long way to go, but this is Novak's court. Almost nobody beats him here. Does that give you more motivation?”
Carlos: Yeah,… pic.twitter.com/y4X5u2W27f
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2024
“I always want to play against the best players in the world to see what my level is. Obviously it’s a good test, playing against him in the places or in the tournament that he’s almost unbeaten,” Carlos said on Saturday. He added, “Yeah, I am looking to reach the final and hopefully playing a final against him. It would be great, obviously.”
Alcaraz aims to join Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander as the fourth player to win three majors before turning 21, following in their footsteps.
He also refused to play a warm-up competition before the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday, stating he had to recharge his body and mind.