Alcaraz rivalry gives Djokovic 'new energy' entering into twilight of his career believes Henin

Former women’s world number one Justine Henin believes that the rivalry against Spain’s young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has given new energy to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.

The two have been competing with each other aggressively in the recent past and the rivalry intensified after the final of Wimbledon 2023 where Alcaraz came out on top in a five-set thriller with a score of 1–6, 7–6(8–6), 6–1, 3–6, 6–4.

Djokovic did not take long to avenge that defeat as he managed to get the better of the 20-year-old in the final of the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) with a score of 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

Former Belgian tennis star Henin, who ended her illustrious career after winning as many as seven Grand Slam titles, believes that the rivalry against Alcaraz has given renewed energy to Djokovic who is moving towards the twilight of his career.

“He always wants more, but how can he not be serene? He has dominated men's tennis for years,” she said while talking to Eurosport. “This new rivalry [vs Alcaraz] is good for him. He went for the record at Roland-Garros, which was a huge moment of peace.

“There were tears at Wimbledon because you always want to win another title. But it feeds off that and this final in Cincinnati...you couldn't ask for a better rivalry. That gives him new energy as he enters the final phase of his career.”

Both of these players are currently participating in the US Open 2023 where they will face off if they manage to reach the final of the competition.

Djokovic won the first-round encounter against France’s Alexandre Muller on Monday in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.

On the other hand, Alcaraz will face Germany’s Dominik Koepfer in the round of 128 encounter on Tuesday.