2023-08-23 22:30:00
The spectacle provided by the number one and two in the world rankings at the Masters in Ohio makes you want to compare again in the final of the US Open. As things stand, it would be a surprise if it didn’t happen in New York.
“I hope Djokovic will continue to play forever, because these are the duels that make tennis hearts beat faster,” said Becker.
The 16 years that separate the veteran Djokovic and the shooting star Alcaraz give the rivalry, which is currently 2-2, additional explosiveness. How long can the Serb, now 36, keep up?
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Because of his young age, does Alcaraz play into the cards that Grand Slam competitions are in longer best-of-five mode? No, says Becker. “It doesn’t matter if three winning sets or two are played.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic focus on other aspects, especially psychological ones. “Carlos is now the new superstar of the scene, but how does he deal with it?” It is well known how Djokovic deals with his popularity, the immense expectations and also the media headwind that sometimes blew in his face at storm force. The Serb follows his path to success unflinchingly.
Alcaraz has also done very well so far, although he “didn’t play well at the Masters in Toronto and lost in the quarter-finals,” as Becker recalls. “He wasn’t in top form yet so had to step it up in Cincinnati.” In fact, the 20-year-old showed weaknesses, most notably in the Toronto loss to Tommy Paul.
Becker enthusiastic about Alcaraz coach Ferrero
The past few weeks have made it clear that many things have to fit together, even for the best in their field. Against this background, the role of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero cannot be overestimated. Despite the defeat against Djokovic in Cincinnati, he “really liked” how Ferrero supported his protégé. “Juan Carlos’ coaching really was to listen carefully after every point. Is that important? The final answered this question clearly,” said Becker.
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And something else became clear: The number one and two in the world have set themselves apart from the rest of the competition in the question of favorites at the US Open. The players directly behind them – Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune and Casper Ruud – don’t give the impression of being able to shake the two heavyweights.
Becker: “Sinner is among the favorites at the top”
In Becker’s eyes, the greatest danger comes from number six in the ATP ranking: Jannik Sinner. The 22-year-old scored his most important win to date two weeks before the start of the Flushing Meadows classic, winning the Toronto Masters. Sinner was also able to get over the subsequent defeat in Cincinnati against Dusan Lajovic.
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“When you win a 1000 competition, that’s a breakthrough – especially in the case of Jannik Sinner, who has been considered Djokovic’s predestined successor for the past two years,” explains Becker. The early end in Cincinnati could even develop to the advantage of the US Open.
This gives Sinner “more time” for the last Grand Slam event of the year. “He has the self-confidence and physical fitness for that. For me, he’s at the top of the list of favourites,” emphasizes Becker.
At least almost at the top, because there seems to be no way around Alcaraz and Djokovic at the moment.
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