Carlos Alcaraz jogs my memory of Rafael Nadal, says Novak Djokovic | Tennis Information – Occasions of India

Novak Djokovic mentioned that his relationship with Carlos Alcaraz was changing into just like the one he had with Rafa Nadal, who can be from Spain. He mentioned this after it took him nearly 4 hours to beat the 20-year-old world primary within the epic last of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.
In an exhilarating repeat of their Wimbledon match, Djokovic saved a match level earlier than avenging his loss with a 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) win in three hours and 49 minutes. This was the longest best-of-three units last in ATP tour historical past.

The skilled Serbian mentioned it was like the ultimate of the 2012 Australian Open, the place he beat Nadal in 5 hours and 53 minutes. The 2 groups have been rivals for 15 years and have performed one another 59 instances.

“I do not suppose I’ve performed too many matches like this in my life,” Djokovic, 36, informed reporters. “Possibly I can examine it to the ultimate in opposition to Nadal on the 2012 Australian Open.

“Clearly, three units right this moment, however nearly 4 hours. You simply must put your hats all the way down to a man like that. He performs so maturely, handles the strain so properly for a 20-year-old.

“We can not overlook how younger he’s. That is one thing that’s so spectacular about him.”
Sunday’s assembly was the fourth one between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with every participant having gained two matches. Djokovic beat Alcaraz within the French Open semi-finals, and the Spaniard earned his revenge in a memorable five-set Wimbledon last.

“The sensation that I’ve on the courtroom jogs my memory a bit of bit once I was dealing with Nadal once we have been at our prime,” added Djokovic, who moved forward of the Spaniard within the all-time males’s majors checklist after profitable his 23rd crown at Roland Garros.

“Every level is a hustle. Every level is a battle. You have to principally earn each single level, each single shot, whatever the situations. It is superb to have the ability to expertise that with him on the courtroom.”
Up subsequent for each gamers is the U.S. Open, the place Alcaraz will defend his title when the match begins on Aug. 28.
“It is nice to listen to these issues from Novak, (who) has performed iconic matches, storied matches,” Alcaraz mentioned. “Which means the group and myself, we’re doing nice work, we’re on a superb path.”
(With inputs from Reuters)