- World No. 1 tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has no problem with Novak Djokovic clenching his fist
- Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 during their semifinal clash at Roland Garros
- Alcaraz experienced severe cramping after two exhilarating and difficult sets with Djokovic
World No. 1 tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has no problem with Novak Djokovic clenching his fist after beating him in the French Open semifinals on Friday.
Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, advancing him to his fifth Roland Garros final where he will face off with Casper Ruud.
Alcaraz experienced severe cramping after two exhilarating and difficult sets with Djokovic.
He admitted he had no issue with Djokovic continuing to erupt in roars and fist pumps after his cramping problems began after the semi-final.
He lauded Djokovic saying that he gave it his all especially because it is not easy playing against someone who is not 100% fit.
“I don’t blame him for anything. He had to close the match. It’s challenging to play against someone who isn’t at 100%. While they may experience a downturn, you can’t afford to have that downturn and instead must find a way to close the match,” the Spaniard in a post-match press conference.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The Serbian beat the Spaniard to book a ticket at the French Open Finals. Photo/Action Network
Alcaraz explained the science behind clenched fists noting that it always helps a tennis player close a match as quickly as possible.
Thus, the 20-year-old doesn’t blame Djokovic for doing this because he would have done the same if he was in Djokovic’s shoes.
“Clenching your fists helps maintain intensity and allows you to close the match as quickly as possible. I don’t blame Djokovic for doing that. The truth is, if I were facing someone who was injured or not playing at their best, and I experienced a slump, I would likely do the same. Closing a match is never easy,” Tennis365 reports.
Alcaraz also mentioned Djokovic’s bathroom break following a tight second set but he did not criticize him at all.
He said there are people looking at creating controversy around this citing that he was all out to stop the game.
However, he sees things differently and he doesn’t believe that this was his intention.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Photo/EuroSport
Alcaraz acknowledged the fact that he was playing the 22-time Grand Slam champion, which caused nervousness and eventually led to his cramping.
He said playing against Djokovic is not easy and he will always have your nerves working full-time during a match.
“Probably (smiling). Probably. Is not easy to play against Novak, you know. Of course a legend of our sport. If someone says that he get into the court with no nerves playing against Novak, he lies,” he added.
On the other hand, Djokovic admits that his victory over Carlos Alcaraz occurred in strange circumstances.
The Djokovic-Alcaraz duel in the French Open semifinals passed off as the game of the year. His victory booked him a spot with Casper Ruud who defeated Alexander Zverev in the French Open semifinals.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login