Juan Martin del Potro needs the identical factor as Novak Djokovic on the US Open
Juan Martin del Potro has shared his want to see Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz face off within the closing of the US Open. A former champion in Flushing Meadows, the Argentine had been hoping for a magical farewell on the event this 12 months earlier than admitting that it wouldn’t be attainable along with his ongoing knee harm. Del Potro has now turned his consideration to his dream closing simply days after Djokovic additionally stated he needed to face Alcaraz for the US Open title.
Djokovic and Alcaraz lately handled tennis followers to a different thrilling closing, this time in Cincinnati. The 36-year-old got here from a set-and-a-break down to defeat the world No 1 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) in three hours and 49 minutes.
It was revenge for the Wimbledon closing contested precisely 5 weeks earlier the place the Spaniard grew to become the primary man in a decade to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court, needing 5 units to carry his second Grand Slam title. And Del Potro is now hoping they will make it three finals in a row on the US Open.
An previous rival of Djokovic’s, Del Potro knew precisely what it was like to return up towards the 23-time Grand Slam winner on the largest phases and he hoped to see Alcaraz proceed to navigate the tough process. “First, for the tennis fans, would be great to see them fighting very often,” he advised Tennis.com.
“I think people will get crazy watching them playing finals, as they did in Wimbledon. At the moment, they are the two guys playing tennis in another level.” The 2009 US Open champion named another stars who additionally impressed him however admitted that Djokovic and Alcaraz had been in a league of their very own.
The 34-year-old continued: “You have very good players like Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, many others. But these two players, for me, from my point of view and how I understand the game, they are even better than the rest, for now. I will be watching on TV.”
It comes after Djokovic stated he wanted to face Alcaraz again after coming through their three-set battle on Sunday. “It did feel like a Grand Slam final. Even more than that. Every match that we play against each other goes the distance, I’m hoping we can play in some weeks’ time in New York, that would be nice,” he stated in his speech, laughing as he added: “For the crowd, I don’t know about me.”
Del Potro himself contested a US Open closing towards Djokovic in 2018, dropping in straight units. And he gained his solely Major title in Flushing Meadows as a 20-year-old again in 2009. The Argentine had hoped to make a miraculous return to New York this 12 months however lately introduced that it wouldn’t be attainable.
The 22-time title winner has performed only one match since re-injuring his knee at Queen’s in 2019. Del Potro regarded set to make a comeback on the Argentina Open final February however admitted it might as an alternative be the ultimate event of his profession. He was in tears as he misplaced within the first spherical, unsure as as to if he might compete once more.
Last week, the previous world No 3 stated it presently wasn’t realistic to think about a return to tennis due to his knee harm and he has since shifted his focus to bettering the standard of his life. Del Potro had been identified for his signature ‘hammer’ forehand on the tour, with the likes of Roger Federer even nicknaming him Thor.
And the 34-year-old thought that it was Alcaraz who had the closest shot to his trademark weapon. “I don’t know if someone has the hammer now, but I think Carlitos Alcaraz. He hit his forehand really strong too. He has also a potential to hit better in the future years,” Del Potro stated.
“I’m crazy about his game, about his charisma. I like a lot the way that he moves in the court. And I think he’s making very good things for the sport. After the Big Three moves out, the transition is going to be in good hands with Carlitos, with Jannik Sinner also. These guys has the potential to be at the top for the next years.”