“You can see what is his level” Carlos Alcaraz reflects on possible Novak Djokovic duel at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz reflected on what a potential showdown against Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros would mean. The World No. 3 recently reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he will face Lorenzo Musetti in pursuit of his sixth Masters 1000 title.

On Saturday, Alcaraz secured a notable win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, 7-6, 6-3. During his post-match press conference, one of the key questions was about the current form of one of his biggest rivals: Novak Djokovic.

There have long been doubts surrounding Djokovic’s level. Over the past year, he has suffered several surprise defeats and has found it particularly difficult to claim titles.

At this edition of the Monte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic exited earlier than expected, losing his opening match to Alejandro Tabilo. Despite having played Monte Carlo almost every year since 2006 (only missing it once in 2021 due to injury), Djokovic holds two titles, two runner-up finishes, and a 39–16 record at the event.

With this win, Tabilo now leads their head-to-head 2–0, having also defeated Djokovic last year in the third round of the Italian Open. Djokovic looked out of sorts, while Tabilo delivered his best tennis once again to overcome the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

However, for Djokovic, the Masters 1000 tournaments have never been a major goal in recent seasons. As he himself has admitted, his main focus is on Grand Slam titles. Regardless of previous results, Djokovic will remain one of the top favourites at Roland Garros, where Carlos Alcaraz will be the defending champion.

In his press conference after defeating Davidovich Fokina, the 21-year-old was asked what it would mean to face Djokovic at the French Open: It’s always great playing against Djokovic, because it’s always tough against him, you can see what is his level.

“Could be great, why not? Super far away until that moment happens, a lot of things can happen during the tournament or during the week before, so let’s see,” the 4-time Grand Slam champion added.

So far, Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5–3 (2–1 on clay courts), with a particularly memorable clash in the final of the 2024 Olympic Games. Back then, Alcaraz came into the match on a 12-match winning streak on clay, having just won the French Open a couple of months prior. But Djokovic emerged victorious in a thrilling battle to win his long-awaited Olympic gold medal.