US Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz on Novak Djokovic rivalry after win - ‘Once we step on court, there are no friends’

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Carlos Alcaraz spoke about his relationship on and off the court with Novak Djokovic after booking his spot in the second round of the US Open with a four-set victory over Australian Li Tu. Djokovic and Alcaraz have met several times on some of the biggest stages in the sport over the last two years, with both enjoying victories, and they could meet in the final in New York.

'We have a good rivalry' - Alcaraz talks Djokovic after opening win at US Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

Carlos Alcaraz gave an insight into his rivalry with Novak Djokovic after booking his spot in the second round of the US Open.

The Spaniard beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in 2023 and 2024, but lost in the men’s singles gold-medal match at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.

Their rivalry is one that has gripped tennis and sports fans, especially given they are at opposite ends of their careers.

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Djokovic is 37 while Alcaraz is 21, meaning whenever they face off it is a generational battle, and they could meet again in the final in New York should both make it that far.

Alcaraz admitted he enjoys a good relationship with his rival outside of tennis after beating Australian Li Tu in four sets, but added that the friendship stops when they step on court.

“Well, obviously we have a good rivalry,” Alcaraz said. “Every time that we step on the court, we played really high tennis.

“Every time that we faced against each other, it has been a really good and intense match.

“But, yeah, we have a really good friendship off the court. We talk a lot in the lockers every time that we see each other around. With his team as well.

“Once we step on the court, there are no friends here on tour, but after that, after the court, I have a really good relationship with a lot of players, and one of them is Novak.”

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Video credit: SNTV

Djokovic is going for a 25th Grand Slam, which would give him sole possession of the all-time record, while Alcaraz is bidding for a second US Open and fifth major overall.

It would also be a third Slam in a row for Alcaraz, following on from his French Open and Wimbledon victories.

After losing to Gael Monfils in the last 32 in Cincinnati last time out, there were question marks over his form, but he was “happy” with his performance against Tu.

He romped through the first set in 29 minutes before the Australian qualifier hit back to take the second.

Alcaraz ensured that was just a blip, though, to complete a 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-1 win in two hours and 44 minutes on Arthur Ashe.

“Well, first of all, I'm really happy to get through and get a chance to be better the next round,” Alcaraz said in his press conference after the match.

“Obviously, I felt well on court. I think I hit the ball well. I moved well.

“A few things that I have to improve if I want to, you know, keep going in the draw, but obviously I have to give credit to him as well that he played really good tennis and today surprised me a little bit in the second set.

“After that, really I leave the court happy with my performance.”

Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp next before a potential third-round encounter against Britain’s Jack Draper.

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