By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, March 28, 2023
MIAMI—Computer systems calculate rankings.
Opponents validate them.
Facing Tests: Miami Open Photo Gallery
High-seeded Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Miami figuring out he should defend his Miami Open crown to fend off Novak Djokovic and retain the world No. 1 rating.
The 19-year-old Spanish sensation took a step nearer towards that purpose topping Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 to attain his eighth straight win and advance to a Miami Open quarterfinal vs. Taylor Fritz.
Requested afterward if he agrees with Djokovic that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is the world’s greatest participant, Alcaraz advised he concurs.
“I imply, I’ve to play in opposition to Novak, , he 100%, I might say in Madrid he performed actually, very well. So it was shut,” stated Alcaraz, who defeated each Rafa Nadal and Djokovic en path to the Mutua Madrid Masters championship final spring. “However, I imply, I am agree with him. When he is 100%, most likely he is one among or the most effective participant on the planet.
“So I do not know easy methods to say about that query, however what Novak has achieved, the extent of Novak for instance in Australia was unbelievable, actually excessive. In order I stated earlier than, I actually need to play in opposition to Novak when he is 100% and I am certain I’ll take pleasure in. In order that’s all I can say proper now.”
Of their lone prior assembly, Alcaraz out-dueled the then world No. 1 Djokovic 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5) rising to his maiden Mutua Madrid Open last in a dizzying three hour, 35-minute traditional match.
The Spanish phenom made historical past as the primary man to overcome king of clay Rafael Nadal and Djokovic in succession at a clay-court match.
No matter rating, Djokovic has stated previously he feels he is the most effective participant on the planet.
“This week I most likely am. General the rankings are displaying who had the most effective 12 months, and Alcaraz is the No. 1 on the planet,” Djokovic advised the media in Turin final November. “Not a lot to say about that. However in my thoughts I at all times see myself as the most effective participant on the planet, after all. I’ve that sort of mentality and that sort of method.
“No matter who’s throughout the web, no matter what the floor is, no matter what season it’s, what variety of the skilled season in my profession we’re dealing with, I imply, it is at all times the identical. The ambitions are as excessive as attainable.”
Photograph credit score: Mutua Madrid Open
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