“I will be ready for possibly the longest match of the tournament” – Djokovic gears up for an epic clash

Ahead of their semi-final clash at Roland-Garros on Friday, Novak Djokovic praised Carlos Alcaraz, but said that he is ready for battle as well.

Both players dropped one set en route to the semis – Djokovic to Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals, and Alcaraz to Taro Daniel in the second round.

“He is the number one player in the world, playing at an elite level, with mature behaviour on the court – he is positive, encourages himself all the time,” commented Djokovic to Serbian reporters.

I am cherishing every opportunity

Novak Djokovic

“All I can say is ‘well done’ to him and his team for everything they have accomplished so far. He is definitely the player to beat here, the favourite, just like we said before the tournament.

“Grand Slam semi-final is a big event, big match, I don’t know whether my experience will help, but I will be ready for possibly the longest match of the tournament.”

Asked whether he feels any special motivation facing Alcaraz, and how does that feeling compares to feeling before he faced Nadal or Federer, Djokovic answered:

“Alcaraz is a player that draws a lot of attention, but Nadal and Federer rivalries… I don’t know if Alcaraz and I even have a rivalry, so that can’t be compared. He has a lot of digging to do to reach Nadal’s and Federer’s heights, but he’s on the right path.”

Djokovic said that these kind of matches inspire him.

“I mean, semis of a Slam, I an going to fight until the last drop of sweat and last ounce of energy. I don’t know how many opportunities to fight for big titles I will have, so I am cherishing every opportunity and see this as a big chance to win the trophy.”

Djokovic and Alcaraz have met once before, the Spaniard prevailed 7-6 in the third set at the Mutua Madrid Open last year.

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