“I feel a lot of confidence right now” – Alcaraz hungry for Djokovic rematch at Wimbledon 2023

Following his four-set win over Nicholas Jarry, Carlos Alcaraz has readily spoken about his desire for a rematch against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2023

Carlos Alcaraz wins at Wimbledon 2023 © Action Plus / Panoramic

Bren Gray

July 8, 2023

Wimbledon •Round of 16 • completed

See draw

C. AlcarazvsM. Berrettini

After passing his first real test at Wimbledon 2023 against Nicholas Jarry on Saturday, Carlos Alcaraz has spoken to the media with the air of a young man unaffected by the events of Roland-Garros last month.

Having excelled on the British grass at Queens a fortnight ago, the first two rounds of Wimbledon 2023 were never going to tell us much about Alcaraz’s mindset. Straight set wins over Frenchmen Jeremy Chardy and Alexandre Muller were expected, and delivered.

However, spending just short of four hours on court against 25^th seed Nicholas Jarry was an entirely different affair. Following this third round win, Alcaraz appears back to his confident best.

Alcaraz candid about goal at Wimbledon 2023

Hearing players talk about their ambitions at any given tournament can be tiresome at times. Too often there will be false humility, with players deferring to, “I’m only focused on the next match,” or “I haven’t even looked at the draw.”

Not so for Carlos Alcaraz.

In a refreshing change, Alcaraz has candidly declared that he would like a rematch of his Roland-Garros match against Novak Djokovic.

“Obviously my dream is play a final here. Even better is Novak,” the Spaniard declared.

Obviously my dream is play a final here. Even better is Novak.
Carlos Alcaraz

Going on to explain, Alcaraz pointed out that a match between himself and Djokovic is something that “not only tennis fans” want, but also “myself as well, honestly.”

Less than a month ago, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic met in the semi-finals of Roland-Garros.

It was arguably one of the most anticipated tennis matches in the past five years, with Alcaraz ranked No 1 in the world and Djokovic at No 3. Due to each players injuries and scheduling, this was their first meeting of 2023, a year where they have been the two dominant players on the ATP Tour.

After two high-quality sets of tennis which saw the match level at a set apiece, Alcaraz’s body gave out on him, and cramps saw Djokovic run away with the remainder of the contest, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQagJ45Dc3g&ab_channel=RazOlsII

Berrettini first for Alcaraz

Before such a rematch could take place, there’s a little water that must pass under the bridge first.

“I have I think three rounds ahead,” said Carlos Alcaraz. “I’m really focused on the next round. It’s Berrettini or Zverev. Both players have great tennis on grass. It’s going to be a really tough one.”

Since speaking to the media, Matteo Berrettini has been confirmed as Alcaraz’s round of 16 opponent. The Italian has continued his strong run at Wimbledon 2023, defeating 19^th seed Alexander Zverev in the third round, off the back of ousting 15^th seed Alex de Minaur in the second round.

Berrettini is returning from an injury that has plagued him in 2023, causing his level to dip below that which saw him make the 2021 Wimbledon final.