A face to face between Novak Djokovic y Carlos Alcaraznumbers one and two in the world, is always a guarantee of success, of spectacle, even if there is nothing else at stake, neither a trophy, nor a title, nor ATP points.
That is why Saudi Arabia, determined to invade any form of sport with impact, in a big way, decided to bring together, with the season closed and close to resuming the next one, the best tennis players in the universe, those who attract more attention week after week. of the fans.
The result becomes something secondary, almost irrelevant. Alcaraz’s victory over Novak Djokovic by 4-6, 6-4 y 6-4 It will not count in the professional statistics of any of them, in the duels between them that are part of each story prior to their confrontations.
The first time that the two meet on the circuit soon, the data prior to the match played this Wednesday in the packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with capacity for 40,000 spectators, will be maintained as a reference. It will be taken into account that, like now, they have faced each other five times, with three victories for the Serbian – in the Cincinatti Masters 1000, in the ATP Finals and at Roland Garros -; The Murcian won twice: in the Masters 1000 Madrid in 2022 and in the Wimbledon final in 2023.
It was a exhibitionbut none guard efforts. With the campaign about to begin, the number one and two in the world need parties, filming. Djokovic is going to look for them in the United Cup, as leader of the Serbian team; a mixed event that opens the Australian season. Alcaraz, who returns to Spain because on Thursday he has another friendly match scheduled, in Murcia, against Roberto Bautista. But in the spotlight of the two best on the circuit is the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the course that will be played in Melbourne in the second half of January.
Alcarazwho closed the 2023 competition with the defeat suffered in Turin, in the ATP Finals against Djokovic, prop up adaptation to a new seasonthat of his entrenchment after the emergence in 2021 and the consolidation in 2022 that closed as number one in the world.
Nobody gift anything in Riad and the duel had everything. Extraordinary points and battle. But also good humor. The smile prevailed over the annoyance. No protests, no bad gestures, no challenges. Alcaraz started better, breaking Djokovic’s serve at first, but the winner of twenty-four majors reacted, imposed his law, balanced the situation and took the lead until making the first set his own. He took advantage.
History repeated itself in the second quarter. With 2-0 for the Spanish. But there was not the reaction of the previous round from the Serbian. And the Murcian, with fresh legs and in full swing, kept the distance until the end. He equalized the score and the match went to the third. It was what was expected by the follower who wanted the confrontation to be long, eternal.
Everything was at stake for the last set, the tiebreaker. And Alcaraz, apparently more involved in the game, opened the gap. He led 3-1 but the world number one did not allow his rival to escape on the scoreboard and equalized (3-3) to bring equality and excitement to the final stretch. It was the decisive moment. No one gave anything.
He broke the world number two in the ninth game, which at 5-4 served to win and he did not fail. He achieved victory in one hour and 52 minutes. It is a plus of excitement for the 20-year-old, determined to achieve victory and to begin his preparation in the best way.
It will not count towards the statistics but the español value the victoria as if deserve. The Spaniard, who began his preparation on December 11 at the Ferrero Academy, in Villena, returns to Spain to play in Murcia on Thursday against Bautista. Djokovic goes to Perth to get ready for the United Cup. Both will meet more than once throughout 2024.
2023-12-27 18:59:23
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