Carlos Alcaraz declared “there are no friends on tour” when discussing his on-court rivalry with Novak Djokovic at the US Open, after claiming a first-round win over Li Tu in four sets.
Alcaraz could face Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows, in a repeat of their Wimbledon and Olympic showpiece matches over the past few months, as the Spanish star insisted that the pair enjoy a competitive rivalry.
Though he admitted that it does not extend into off-court matters, sharing a behind-the-scenes insight into their dressing room conversations.
Obviously we have a good rivalry,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “Every time we step on the court we play really high level tennis. Every time we faced each other it’s been a really good and intense match. We have really good friendship off court.
“We talk a lot in the locker room every time we see each other around.. with his team as well. Once we step on court, there are no friends on tour. Outside of the court, I have a really good relationship with a lot of players. One of them is Novak.
Against Tu, the world No. 186 qualifier, Alcaraz surprisingly dropped the second set but recovered to seal a comfortable victory and extend his winning run at Grand Slams to 15 matches.
Should he beat the likes of Djokovic and Jannik Sinner to glory in the United States, he would become just the third man in history to win the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same season – after Roger Federer and Rod Laver.
However, the 21-year-old is not thinking too far ahead of his next match against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Well after this interview I’m gonna clear my mind and try to pretend I never heard that,” he replied to ESPN when told of the prospect of matching Federer and Laver’s accomplishments.
“Obviously it would be a great achievement if I make it. But I have six matches ahead. Every round is against a better opponent. It’s gonna be difficult. The Slam is two weeks. Staying 100 per cent focused every day makes it really tough. So I’m trying to think every day to just try to feel better each day in practice and in matches. Let’s see if I’m still alive in two weeks.
