Djokovic And Alcaraz Renew Rivalry At Australian Open

By: Gyang Dakwo

Novak Djokovic is set to resume his quest for Grand Slam supremacy at the Australian Open as rival Alcaraz seeks to dethrone him and secure a third Grand Slam triumph that would see him reclaim the world number one spot.

As it stands, the seemingly invincible Serb is the firm favourite to claim his 25th major singles title and eclipse a record that has stood for half a century.

The 36-year-old enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons of his career in 2023, winning a record-extending 10th crown at the Melbourne major before triumphs at the French and U.S. Opens to go level with Australian Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Djokovic is poised to go past Court on his happiest hunting ground, where 12 months ago he braved a political row involving his father and battled through a torn hamstring to prevail.

The Serb has not got off to the best of starts in the new season, suffering his first defeat in Australia in six years at the United Cup mixed team tournament after being hampered by a right wrist issue against Alex de Minaur.

“I think I’ll be okay,” Djokovic said. “It did have quite an impact, particularly on the forehand and serve. I have plenty of time, I think enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open.”

Meanwhile 20 year old Alcaraz will hope to bury memories of an injury-plagued start to last year when he missed the Australian Open, which Djokovic won to climb back to the rankings summit.

The bull-like Alcaraz, who has taken the tennis world by storm since becoming the youngest men’s world number one after his U.S. Open triumph in 2022, hit back by capturing his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon following an epic five-set final victory over Djokovic.

“Learning from (Djokovic) is amazing. It’s incredible to share the court with him,” Alcaraz said after beating Djokovic in an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in late December.

Their rivalry could be set for another epic showdown and once again the world number one spot is within reach for Alcaraz.

Djokovic has a 2,200-point advantage over Alcaraz, who has no points to defend in Australia after skipping the tournament in 2023 with a leg injury.