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Days After Nervous Semi-Final Showdown, Carlos Alcaraz Oozes Confidence Over Potential Novak Djokovic Clash at Wimbledon Championships – ‘I Can’t Play..’

Published 07/05/2023, 4:53 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, the current world no.1, has got off to an impressive start in this year’s Wimbledon Championships, having won his first-round match comfortably. He is more determined than ever to take home the Wimbledon trophy and prove to the world that he is a man of all surfaces. Last year, he lost out in the fourth round and he would love to improve upon that result and enjoy a much deeper run on a surface that has always troubled Spaniards historically. Alcaraz, though, is high on confidence and will be looking forward to claiming his first grass-court major title.

He was one of the favorites for the French Open, which ended just a few weeks back, but unfortunately, he lost out to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, in what was a pretty one-sided match except for the second set. Will history repeat itself?

Carlos Alcaraz warns Djokovic that this time it will be different

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Alcaraz is definitely one of the most feared names in men’s tennis, along with Novak Djokovic, at the moment. These two are probably the two players that are predicted to meet in the final, but it is too early to say as only the first round has finished. The French Open semifinal was a disappointment for Alcaraz and for tennis fans in general, as it was expected to be a nail-biting clash.

But Alcaraz, after the second set, suffered from cramps in his legs and Djokovic quickly preyed upon the opportunity and sealed the fate of the match by delivering two breadsticks in the third and fourth sets. Thus, Alcaraz is yearning for a rematch this time and warns Djokovic that the result will be different this time around.

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Alcaraz says the cramps were because of tension. He said that it was because of the tension of having to face Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of a grand slam. He says he learned a lot from that experience. The Spaniard said,

“The main reason that I had cramp in the semi-final was the tension that I had facing Novak in the semi-final of a Grand Slam. I’m sure the experience is really important part on that. I think I learned a lot from that match to the next time I’m going to face Novak. It’s going to be different for me. I’m going to deal the pressure better than I did in the semi-final of French Open.

“Yeah, all I talk with [coach] Juan Carlos is that, is the pressure, is the tension. I can’t play with that tension. As I said, it’s going to be different the next time.”

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Alcaraz has resolved himself to win this year’s Wimbledon and etch his name on the coveted trophy. He is in some form as he just lost one set on his way to winning the Queen’s club championships. His play on grass courts has improved. He is obviously one of the firm favorites.

Read more: ‘Wouldn’t Be Surprised if He Got to 26 or 27′- Novak Djokovic Given Idol Pete Sampras’ Ultimatum as Eerie Parallels Drawn Between the Two Legends

However, Djokovic is going to be a problem like in any tournament. But one has to keep in mind that Djokovic has come into this year’s Wimbledon without any pre-tournament practice. Thus, Alcaraz could take advantage of that factor. Djokovic has recently said that he brings his A-game in grand slams and that’s where a lot of other players falter. Alcaraz has the game to beat Djokovic, but does he have the mental fortitude?

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Written by:

Tony Sam

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Tony Sam is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Post Graduation in English literature, Sam has been honing his skills to achieve the pinnacle in his dream career as a sports journalist. He has been a huge fan of tennis right from his childhood years with a special admiration for the 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal and his warrior like attitude.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas