Novak Djokovic has a stunning victory over Karen Khachanov. The Serbian is now set to face Carlos Alcaraz, a Spanish sensation in the semi-finals. Djokovic said that he was ready to play his best tennis with the World No. 1 player.
The 36-year old had a fantastic start to the year. Djokovic won the Australian Open by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas straight sets. This was his 22nd Grand Slam. The Serbian was beaten by Daniil Medidev in the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships. The Australian Open champion was eliminated early from the Monte Carlo Masters with the beginning of the clay tour. The Serb reached the Rome Open quarter-finals but lost to Holger Rune’s brilliant performance.
Carlos Alcaraz, World No.3, has been booked in the semi-finals of the Roland Garros. According to their ATP Head2Head records, the 2022 Madrid Open was their only and first meeting. The 36-year old Spaniard is the lone winner of the match, as the Spaniard defeated him in the semi-finals. Djokovic praised Alcaraz during the press conference he held with Serbian journalists. He cited Alcaraz as the favorite to win the championship. He said that despite the difficult challenge, he would be playing his best while aiming to take the trophy home in Paris.
” Semis of a Slam? I’m going to fight till the last drop and last ounce. He said, “I don’t know when I will get another chance to compete for a major title. I cherish every opportunity to do so and I see this as an excellent chance to win a trophy ,”.
Novak Djokovic wishes Rafael Nadal speedy recovery following his surgery
Novak Djokovic defeated Juan Pablo Varillas during the Roland Garros fourth round. The Serbian player beat Karen Khachanov by four sets in the quarter-finals. Djokovic, at the press conference, wished Rafael Nadal quick recovery after his surgery.
Rafael Nadal had arthroscopic surgery at the Teknon clinic in Barcelona on his left psoas. It will take the Spaniard five months to recover fully from surgery. Nadal withdrew from Roland Garros in 2005 for the first time. He is expected to return on the professional circuit by 2024.
Djokovic spoke to the media about the impact of complications from his elbow surgery on his life as a tennis player. Djokovic referred to Nadal, one of tennis’ ‘greatest icons’ and expressed his wish for him to be healthy.
“I believe that he is one of the greatest tennis legends in history, both on and off court. No doubt, we want to see Rafa healthy and playing the season he has announced as his final. You know, I hope he can do what he said.
