Djokovic backs Alcaraz for success after Roland-Garros cramp: “He’s got plenty of time – I experienced the same”
Novak Djokovic had some reassuring words for Carlos Alcaraz after their Roland-Garros semi-final ended so disappointingly
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the conclusion of their Roland-Garros semi-final (Imago/Panoramic)
Carlos Alcaraz wondered in his post-semi-final press conference at Roland-Garros whether his crippling cramps had been caused by the big occasion and facing such a decorated opponent as Novak Djokovic.
If that was indeed the case, he can take heart from words the Serb said later – that he had experienced the same in the early years of his own career.
“Early in my career I was struggling quite a bit physically,” he told reporters. “I can understand the emotions and circumstances that affect you mentally and emotionally.
“Being in one of the greatest tournaments of the world, maybe for the first time in his career he was expected to win. He was maybe not an underdog, chasing the title and trying to win against a favourite, but it was probably the other way around. So maybe that affected him, and as he said, it probably did.
“But it’s a part of the learning curve. It’s part of the experience. He’s only 20. So he’s got plenty of time. He’s showed so much maturity in the last couple of years. He appeared on the scene, just few years ago, winning his first title, and only a year later he wins his first Grand Slam and he becomes No 1.
“I have tremendous respect for that, and he’s got a great coach, great team of people around him. The career will be his, his career will be very successful if he manages obviously to keep healthy, because the game is there.”
Djokovic: Alcaraz has got plenty of time
The 22-time Grand Slam champion also revealed what he said to his young opponent at the net at the end of the match – similar words to the ones he said on television immediately afterwards.
“I told him that he’s got plenty of time, and that I’m sure he’s gonna win Roland-Garros multiple times in the future. I have no doubt about it. I mean, he’s amazing player. Just possesses so much qualities, so dynamic, so much power in his shots, very complete player.
“He already has won a Grand Slam. He’s the youngest ever [male] No 1 in the history of the game. There is a lot to be excited about for him, you know, for the future.
“But of course, not the best way to end the match for him, but respect for him for hanging in there until the last point, really. It was obvious that he was struggling with his movement. It’s unfortunate for the crowd, it’s unfortunate for the match of this importance for both of us, but that’s sport. It happens when you play on extremely high intensity as we both did I think for the first two sets. It was so even.
“It was very demanding physically for both of us, and things like that physically, cramps or whatever he was struggling with, can happen. That’s it. I wish him fast recovery. I’m sure he will be back strong.”
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