I hope we get to play at the US Open

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 16, 2023

Novak Djokovic has never been one to shy away from a rivalry.

Bring on the US Open.

The 23-time major champion is hoping to demonstrate what he learned from today’s tough loss to Carlos Alcaraz later this summer as the Grand Slam scene shifts to Flushing Meadows, the home of the US Open. Never one to shy away from a challenge, 36-year-old Djokovic says he looks forward to crossing paths with Alcaraz again.

“I hope we get to play in US Open. Why not?” he said. “I think it’s good for the sport, 1 and 2 in the world facing each other in almost a five-hours, five-set thriller. Couldn’t be better for our sport in general, so why not?”

Djokovic had nothing but praise for Alcaraz, who is the youngest Wimbledon men’s singles champion in 37 years, after the final.

“Amazing poise in the important moments,” he said of Alcaraz. “For someone of his age to handle the nerves like this, be playing attacking tennis, and to close out the match the way he did.” 

When asked if he felt that today’s final could mark the beginning of a big rivalry between himself and Alcaraz, Djokovic says he hopes it is the case, but added that he doesn’t know how long he’ll be around to play things out.

“I would hope so, for my sake,” he said. “He’s going to be on the tour for quite some time. I don’t know how long I’ll be around.

“Let’s see. It’s been only three matches that we played against each other. Three really close matches. Two already this year in later stages of Grand Slams.”