Carlos Alcaraz opens up about ‘frenemy’ Novak Djokovic ahead of potential US Open final clash
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Carlos Alcaraz said he enjoys a good friendship with Novak Djokovic away from the court but the Spaniard also relishes the intense rivalry he has with the Serbian great as the pair move towards a possible final match-up at the US Open. “Every time that we step on the court, we play really high tennis,” Alcaraz told reporters after his first round win at the US Open on Tuesday. Every time that we face each other, it has been a really good and intense match.” A changing of the guard appeared complete earlier this year when the 21-year-old Alcaraz thrashed 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in July to defend his crown and capture his fourth major title. 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.” With Djokovic seeded second and Alcaraz third, the pair could be on a collision course to meet in the final in the frenzied atmosphere of New York.