Djokovic’s message to Alcaraz at Wimbledon: What did ‘Nole’ tell the defending champion?
The Serb, who’s looking for his 25th major title, has been practicing with Coria at the All England Club, while ‘Charly’ did the same with Wawrinka.
The third Grand Slam tournament in the calendar is just around the corner, and the best players in the world are making their last preparations before battling it out at Wimbledon, where they will be looking to lift one of the most prestigious trophies in world sports.
Carlos Alcaraz will try to defend his throne at the All England Club, as he defeated Novak Djokovic in last year’s edition in an epic five-set fight that ended with the young star getting his hand raised after almost five hours on the court.
Jannik Sinner will look for revenge in the English capital, as the world No. 1 lost to Alcaraz in the French Open semifinals. The grass will offer him the chance to get far in the tournament and possibly face Carlitos in another mega clash.
Djokovic’s message to Alcaraz at Wimbledon
However, many eyes will be on Djokovic. Almost three weeks ago, he underwent surgery in Paris for a muscle tear in the meniscus of his right knee. After being forced to withdraw from the French Open quarterfinals due to physical problems, it seemed impossible for him to be ready at Wimbledon.
However, everything has changed and Nole seems ready to play in the tournament. He hasn’t confirmed yet if he will compete, but he is already exercising at the event’s facilities.
Moreover, he’s feeling good. At the very least, he has been feeling better in record time. That’s what the Balkan player said to Alcaraz when they met for a few minutes at the Wimbledon facilities.
“I’m trying. I have improved quickly. You young people are beasts”, the world No. 2 told the Murcia native, as reported by EFE journalist Manuel Sánchez.
Both players exercised for the second time on the London grass courts. Djokovic, wearing supports on his knee and forearm, did so with Federico Coria, while Alcaraz practiced with Stan Wawrinka, as reported by Sánchez.
In the case of Nole, who received some massages on his wrist and forearm, it was a low-paced session, gradually going from less to more intense, which ended with two tie-breaks. He won the first 8-6 (he came back from 2-6), while the Argentinian player, the world No. 71, took the second 9-7. Meanwhile, Carlitos, had a two-hour practice session, winning two sets against Wawrinka (both 6-4, although the second started from 2-2).
Wimbledon’s draw will take place on Friday, and Djokovic’s presence in the event could influence Alcaraz, as he would be the third seed and not the second. The Spaniard, who lost in the round of 16 at Queen’s, is the world No. 3, behind Nole and Sinner.
The Serb and the Italian could play against Charly in a hypothetical semifinal. For now, they will keep testing themselves at the All England Club, where Sinner will play after winning his first title on grass. The 22-year-old became champion in Halle and will keep the ATP rankings’ top spot after Wimbledon.
Alcaraz’s coach Ferrero is back before Wimbledon
From now on, Alcaraz will continue his training plan at Wimbledon alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero, who took a holiday break after the French Open.
During this period, the Spaniard has been under Samuel López’guidance, Pablo Carreño’s regular coach. Last year, he guided Alcaraz at Queen’s. López will work alongside Carreño in the London Grand Slam. The current No. 796, whose presence at the Paris Olympic Games has already been confirmed, will play at Wimbledon with a protected ranking.
As for Alcaraz, he will increase the practice session’s pace with Ferrero. Last Sunday, the three-time major champion took the day off to walk around Bushy Park, on the outskirts of London, and enjoy watching the deers. From now on, he will face the final part of his preparation to defend his title at Wimbledon.