Carlos Alcaraz described taking part in Novak Djokovic in a Grand Slam quarterfinal as “the worst thing” and in addition hailed the Serb’s stage throughout their matchup as “unbelievable.”
After successful two Slams final yr and attending to 4 Majors, the Spaniard entered this yr’s Completely satisfied Slam hoping to lastly attain his maiden semifinal at Melbourne Park – and never solely that – but additionally win the match.
And whereas he was one of many high favorites for the primary glory, his breakthrough Australian Open run did not come this yr after Djokovic handed him a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 defeat.
Because the Serb was seeded at No. 7 in Melbourne this yr, that is why his match with Alcaraz got here earlier than the semifinal or last stage.
“I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing,” the 21-year-old mirrored.
“It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now.”
Carlos Alcaraz© Australian Open/YouTube
Alcaraz caught a chilly after the Australian Open
After concluding his first match of the yr, the previous world No. 1 returned house to Spain however was unfortunate sufficient to catch a chilly.
Nevertheless, he has managed to recuperate and is able to return to motion at this week’s ATP 500 match in Rotterdam.
“I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold. I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better;” Alcaraz stated.
“But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again.”
Alcaraz says he does not have many regrets in regards to the Djokovic loss.
“I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have… pic.twitter.com/Aoa2Ci7hec
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 3, 2025
In Rotterdam, the Spanish tennis star is the No. 1 seed.
In what will be his first-ever match at the Dutch event, Alcaraz will battle against local player Botic van de Zandschulp, who upset him at the US Open last year.
