"Going to be different next time": Alcaraz looks to put cramping episode behind him next time he faces Djokovic

World number one Carlos Alcaraz has expressed optimism about having a better outing against the number two seed Novak Djokovic.

The 20-year-old secured his first-round win during the third Grand Slam of the year on Tuesday against Britain’s Jeremy Chardy in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

Alcaraz and Djokovic are en route to face off in a mouthwatering clash if both players managed to reach the final of Wimbledon 2023.

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Talking about his biggest rival in the competition, who is also the defending champion, the El Palmar-born stated that he is hoping for a better outing against the 23-time Grand Slam winner compared to how it was in the French Open just a few months back.

“As I said, the main reason that I had cramp in the semifinal [in the French Open] was the tension that I had facing Novak in the semifinal of a Grand Slam,” he said. “I'm sure the experience is really important part on that. I think I learned a lot from that match to the next time I'm going to face Novak. It's going to be different for me. I'm going to deal the pressure better than I did in the semifinal of French Open.”

Alcaraz suffered a crushing defeat against the 36-year-old in the semifinal with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 at Roland Garros.

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Alcaraz’s thumping win in the first round in Wimbledon will give him a much-needed boost as he will be hoping to improve his overall performance in the competition.

The number one seeded player’s best outing in London was back in 2022 where he suffered a fourth-round exit after suffering a defeat to Italy’s Jannik Sinner with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

Alcaraz will play against France’s Alexandre Muller in Wimbledon’s second round on Thursday.

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