Alcaraz defends Djokovic for ‘controversial’ selections in injury-stricken match
Carlos Alcaraz has leapt to Novak Djokovic’s defence after cramps derailed their highly-anticipated French Open match. The pair break up units earlier than the Spaniard started cramping and he won just one more game after the problem set in. And Alcaraz mentioned some simply wished to create controversy in response to Djokovic’s response as he took an off-court break and continued to have a good time whereas the 20-year-old struggled bodily.
Djokovic and Alcaraz lastly confronted off for the primary time in over a 12 months as they clashed within the semi-final of the French Open. It was their first assembly at a Grand Slam and their second total, with the Spaniard successful their Madrid Masters tie in May 2022.
It promised to be one of many matches of the season after the pair wanted greater than two hours to get via the primary two units – successful one every. But at 1-1 within the third Alcaraz began cramping and forfeited a sport to obtain therapy earlier than going on to lose 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1.
The world No 1 was later requested whether or not the Serb’s bathroom break on the finish of the second set influenced his bodily issues. Alcaraz was additionally quizzed over his ideas on Djokovic persevering with to have a good time successful factors whereas the 20-year-old was visibly struggling however the Spaniard defended his rival.
“Many people may want to create controversy and claim that Novak went to the bathroom to stop the game or break rhythm, but no, not in my case,” Alcaraz mentioned in Spanish. “I don’t believe it influenced anything.
“The stress from the first game of the match carried over into the second set, and the physical demands Novak placed on me had an impact. Ultimately, I couldn’t hold on physically.”
The 10-time title winner additionally supported Djokovic persevering with to have a good time regardless of his personal bodily woes, admitting he would do the identical. Alcaraz added: “As for your second question, I don’t blame him for anything.
“He had to close the match. It’s challenging to play against someone who isn’t at 100 per cent. While they may experience a downturn, you can’t afford to have that downturn and instead must find a way to close the match. Clenching your fists helps maintain intensity and allows you to close the match as quickly as possible.
“I don’t blame Djokovic for doing that. The truth is, if I were facing someone who was injured or not playing at their best, and I experienced a slump, I would likely do the same. Closing a match is never easy.”
Alcaraz admitted that the cramping was brought on by the nerves of playing such a big match, particularly towards somebody like Novak. But he hoped that he might study his lesson earlier than their subsequent assembly.
“Of course playing a semi-final of a Grand Slam, you have a lot of nerves, but even more with, you know, facing Novak. That’s the truth. Yeah, next time that I’m gonna face Novak, I hope to be different, but the nerves will be there,” he mentioned.