Alcaraz aims to upend Djokovic at Australian open with renewed determination

Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has voiced his determination to unseat the reigning Australian Open champion, Novak Djokovic. Seeded to potentially meet the 10-time Australian Open titlist in the final, the world number two is fueled by the prospect of ending Djokovic’s impressive Melbourne reign, a feat the Serbian has maintained since 2018.

Despite missing the Grand Slam last year due to a leg injury, Alcaraz sees this challenge as an additional incentive to assert his prowess on the grand stage.

The impending clash between Alcaraz and Djokovic promises to be a riveting encounter, given their history of five previous meetings, all occurring in semi-finals or finals, with the veteran currently leading 3-2. Drawing inspiration from his victory in a thrilling Wimbledon final last year, the 20-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion embraces the opportunity to face Djokovic in a tournament where the Serbian has proven almost unbeatable. Alcaraz, known for his ambition, expressed, “I always want to play against the best players in the world to see what my level is.”

In his pursuit to become the fourth man to secure three majors before turning 21, following in the footsteps of Nadal, Borg, and Wilander, Alcaraz opted not to participate in a warm-up tournament before the Australian Open. Citing the need to recharge both his body and mind, he explained, “I’m a guy who doesn’t need so much competition before a big tournament,” emphasizing the strategic decision made in collaboration with his team.

Despite the absence of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, recovering from knee surgery, Alcaraz has enlisted the guidance of Samuel Lopez, who previously worked with Ferrero during his playing career.

Acknowledging the setback of losing Ferrero, Alcaraz expressed confidence in Lopez, stating, “I trust him 100 percent.” With the Australian Open commencing imminently, Alcaraz remains focused on his quest for victory, looking to make a significant mark on the tournament and test his mettle against the formidable Djokovic in a potential final showdown.