US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz ready to embrace new rivalry

Novak Djokovic makes a long-awaited return to the US Open next week looking to reclaim the title and world No 1 ranking from defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

The 36-year-old Serbian was barred from entry to the United States for much of the past two years after his refusal to comply with a Covid

Alcaraz and Djokovic have developed the sport’s most compelling new rivalry, pushing each other to the limit in an epic five-set Wimbledon final last month that ended with Alcaraz triumphing 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz stamps his own identity with second Grand Slam title

The two men produced another pulsating thriller in the final of the Cincinnati Open last weekend, with Djokovic saving a match point before digging out a 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) victory in just under four hours.

For Djokovic, Alcaraz’s performances are confirmation of his belief that the 20-year-old Spaniard is the real deal, the player best positioned to succeed him as the dominant force in men’s tennis.

The Serb said Alcaraz’s knack of rising to the occasion in the most demanding of circumstances reminds him of his gruelling battles with Rafael Nadal, who will miss the US Open with a hip injury.

“Each point, the feeling that I have on...

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