"It's like playing against both of them": Carlos Alcaraz praises Djokovic-Murray partnership, sets sights on completing Grand Slam set
ATP
Carlos Alcaraz will play Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday in an exhibition alongside Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula. Speaking to the media prior to the tie, he tackled all topics.
This included the Australian Open where he is yet to win as well as the new partnership that has developed which sees Novak Djokovic coached by Andy Murray as of next season.
"I am confident that I will become the champion of Australia sooner or later. Hopefully, it will be this coming year," quoted Alcaraz to the media at Madison Square Garden. He plays on December 4.
"It is very important for me to complete the remaining Grand Slams," he alluded to the fact he had not added the Australian Open to his list yet.
Alcaraz stated that he will spend December training instead of being off on holiday. The Spaniard has already been to both Spain and Punta Cana to take some relaxation but it will be back on the court.
Also with a new coach in Samuel Lopez rejoining the fold as such. He is a familiar face to those around the Alcaraz set-up. He called him 'one of the best' as he aims to mirror the similar set-up to Jannik Sinner of two coaches and a top coach and perhaps a cog in the background in Lopez who keeps it ticking like Cahill and Vagnozzi.
He also stated that he feels like Djokovic has found the 'right coach' in Andy Murray and it will be like 'playing against both of them'. Overall in his view, it is 'amazing for tennis'.
"They trust each other 100%, and being able to travel with both will be fantastic for me. I believe I will grow as a player thanks to them," declared the Murcian.
"They listen to me a lot more than before, obviously, when I was 16 and had nothing to say, just keeping my mouth shut and my ears open."
🎙️ In an interview at MSG, Carlos Alcaraz pointed out that the most challenging part of competing in Australia is being at the same level as the rest of the players since everyone is there to show what they have worked to achieve in the preseason.
— Carlos Alcaraz Daily (@alcarazdaily) December 4, 2024
🇦🇺 He added that for him it’s… https://t.co/UHW04jWjuP pic.twitter.com/N6wGfthE2t
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