Djokovic responds to Alcaraz loss ahead of French Open

ROME –

Novak Djokovic seems to have been motivated by the loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

It’s all just in time.

Djokovic won the Italian Open despite dropping one set Sunday, just a week after his Madrid defeat to Alcaraz (19 years old) for his first title.

Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against coronavirus, missed a significant portion of the season and won 6-0, 7-6 (5) to win his sixth title in Rome.

Both Djokovic as well as Alcaraz should be considered top favorites for the French Open which begins next Sunday.

Djokovic said, “I go there having the highest ambitions.” said. “I like my chances. Based on how I have been feeling in the courts and off, I believe I can make it far.

Rafael Nadal’s status, who won 13 of his 21 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros as a champion, is uncertain. The Spaniard’s Italian Open was over earlier than expected after his left foot, which has been chronically injured, started bothering him again.

“Right now, Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic,” Tsitsipas saidWhen Nadal was asked for his favourite French Open player, he didn’t even mention Nadal’s name.

The overwhelming favourite for women is Iga Swaitek, the highest-ranked player from Poland, who won the title in Rome against Ons Jabeur, 6-2, and 6-2. This extended her winning streak of 28 matches.

Swiatek was surprised to be crowned champion at the French Open 2020, when she was ranked No. 54. The player from Poland, now 20 years old, is going to Paris at a new level.

Swiatek said, “I know that I did some fantastic stuff this season. So I feel like I can play freely.” said. “It is true that there are higher expectations, but I was able to keep my head down and not think about it. Additionally, I am gaining experience at this.”

Swiatek won five consecutive titles during her tenure.

“All these tournaments, which I’ve won, seem quite surreal right at the moment,” she said. said.

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Madrid Open semi-finals.

Djokovic said, “That was a close match.” said. “He won, but it was one point that made the difference.” I was happy with the level at which I was playing.”

Djokovic’s experience, having won 20 Slams, might give him the advantage on the Paris favourites list. Alcaraz, who has never advanced past the quarterfinals at a major, is a great choice.

Tsitsipas: Roland Garros is a marathon Grand Slam. said. “Every Grand Slam has a marathon Grand Slam. But, Roland Garros is the best. When you’re on the court, it really demands the best of you physically and spiritually. Clay-court tennis (tennis) can really squeeze every part of you.

Djokovic was deported for not being vaccinated ahead of the Australian Open. He hadn’t won any tournaments since November when he raised the Paris Masters trophy.

Djokovic saidThe ordeal in Australia was as intense as any pressure I have felt in my life and in my career. It was truly a different level.

It was Djokovic’s 12th final appearance at the Foro Italico.

He said, “This court was always very, very special.” said. It has brought me joy when it was needed. When my form was a bit tired, I found energy in this city.

Swiatek remained calm when she saved four breakpoints at a crucial moment late in the second-set. She slipped in to make a drop shot and then responded with a stunning backhand volley winner to win the final break point.

“I changed my attitude from “Whoa, she’s going spread me around now” to “I’m going get to every ball now to play every point until the last shot.”

Jabeur was enjoying a winning streak, with 11 consecutive victories in the final. But the Tunisian’s skillful game of drop shots or spins couldn’t match Swiatek’s fast movements and precise groundstrokes.

“Iga is No. Jabeur said. “She is truly the leader on tour. She has a lot of things to teach me personally.”

Justine Hennein won 32 consecutive matches between 2007-2008, making her the last player to do so. Martina Navratilova has the record for longest consecutive streak, with a total of 74 wins in 1984.