Alcaraz Ready To Bite Back At Wimbledon, Djokovic Hungry For More

London
Arejuvenated Carlos Alcaraz enters Wimbledon as the top seed after reclaiming the world number one ranking but the brightest star of the next generation knows few will look beyond holder Novak Djokovic as the favourite.
The 20-year-old Alcaraz’s battle with the seasoned Serbian for the top ranking had largely played out as a long-distance rivalry this season due to injuries and Djokovic’s enforced absence from the hardcourt swing in the United States. When the duo finally met for the second time in the French Open semi-finals earlier this month it was the inexperienced Spaniard who cracked under pressure and suffered from severe cramps as Djokovic, 36, levelled their head-to-head record.
Djokovic beat Casper Ruud in the Paris final to capture a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and the 36-year-old will gun for an eighth Wimbledon singles crown to match Roger Federer’s men’s record at the All England Club. Hoping to stop the Serbian winning his fifth Wimbledon title in a row will be refreshed U.S. Open champion Alcaraz, who warmed up for his bid to bag a second major title by winning the Queen’s Club event in his third tour-level tournament on grass.
The chances don’t change so much, Alcaraz said of his Wimbledon prospects after winning his fifth title of the year. Novak is coming to Wimbledon. But Alcaraz said recovering the number one ranking from Djokovic had given him extra motivation and confidence.