TENNIS
Alcaraz hopes Medvedev will feel nerves playing on Centre Court
The Spaniard hopes that the Russian feels the pressure once he steps into the iconic All England Club court.
Carlos Alcaraz is just two steps away from winning his second Grand Slam tournament, but in the Wimbledon semifinals he will face one of the best players in the world, Daniil Medvedev.
Alcaraz, who wants to forget the cramping episode against Novak Djokovic during the French Open semifinals, will hope to be as relaxed and focused as possible when he takes on the former world No. 1.
The Murcia native is among the best four players at Wimbledon for the first time in his career after defeating Holger Rune in straight sets in a great performance.
Alcaraz and Medvedev are tied 1-1 in their head-to-head. The 2021 US Open champion defeated Alcaraz two years ago in Wimbledon in straight sets, while Alcaraz beat Medvedev in the Indian Wells final last March.
The Centre Court factor
Although Alcaraz came out on top the last time they met, the Spanish star believes Daniil will be one of his toughest opponents in the tournament.
The talented Russian will make his first Centre Court appearance this year on Friday, something that could give him some trouble, according to Alcaraz.
“The aura that you live on Centre Court is different than the other ones”.
“I can only talk with my limited experience, but for me, the first time playing on Centre Court was really tough to deal with the nerves about playing on this beautiful court. I hope Daniil will feel the same”, he explained.
“But every player is different and I don’t know how he’s going to feel about playing on Centre Court”, Alcaraz added.
Both Alcaraz and Medvedev will be looking to win their second major. The winner will face either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner in the final.