The former world No.1 is using a heavier racket and needs time to get used to it, which is why he has made more unforced errors than usual especially with the backhand. Alcaraz has worked hard during the pre-season, has changed his serve and hopes that the results will already be visible in the next two weeks.
Like many others, the Briton sees Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic lifting a trophy on January 26. The former Wimbledon semi-finalist further reduced the favorites list, naming Sinner and Alcaraz as the players to beat.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have already been warned about a rising star who could prove to be their “nightmare”. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard won the 2024 ATP Award for Most Improved Player, and he’s carried his form into the new season.
The highly anticipated Australian Open draw has been announced, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the prospect of a thrilling showdown. Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed, and Novak Djokovic, the seventh seed,
Alcaraz is already the youngest man in history to win grand slams on the three different surfaces, and he added a second Wimbledon title to his French Open and US Open triumphs in July. The Australian Open is what is missing, with the opening grand slam of the year the tournament where Alcaraz has had the least success so far in his career.
Djokovic could face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, with Alexander Zverev a possible opponent in the semi-finals and Jannik Sinner on the opposite side of the draw
Emma Raducanu was the only British player to draw a seed in the first round, having been pitted against Ekaterina Alexandrova in her opening match. Katie Boulter will face Rebecca Marino, while Jack Draper has been drawn against Mariano Navone.
10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces a tough road ahead in his bid for a record-extending 11th title at the Melbourne Park. The Serbian star could meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final and world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the semis.
Get ready for the Australian Open with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament, what the betting odds are, what the schedule
Among those tipped to challenge Djokovic for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup is Carlos Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon last year. At 21 years and 266 days on the day of the men’s singles final, Alcaraz could become the youngest male player of all-time to achieve the career grand slam.
Novak Djokovic does not plan to retire while he can still play against the best players on the biggest stages ahead of the Australian Open.