Djokovic: “Alkarath always pushes me to my limits”

Novak Djokovic returns to the US Open facilities after two years. The world No. 2, who recently expressed his desire to face Carlos Alcarath in the final of the event, stressed at the press conference that every time he faces him, he is pushed to the limit.

“He always pushes me to my limits. I think I’ll do the same to him. That’s why we gave an unforgettable finale in Cincinnati. It was one of the best, most exciting and hardest games I’ve ever played. That’s why I fell.” Right after that, I fell to the ground. I felt like I had won a Grand Slam. It was very exhausting physically and mentally and I was exhausted for the next few days.

First of all, I’m happy to be back in New York and at Arthur Ashe, Because it’s the biggest arena we have in our sport, the biggest court and for sure the most fun, exciting and thrilling atmosphere there is in tennis, playing at Arthur Ashe at night without a doubt. I’m really looking forward to playing opening night on Monday. I will come back and play in front of the loudest crowd we have in the sport.

I’m really, really looking forward to it. It’s been two years since I last played here and I lost to Medvedev in the final, making me four Slams in one year. I didn’t perform well that day.

But what I felt from the crowd, that kind of connection, love and support they gave me throughout the race and at the closing ceremony, that’s something that I still hold in my heart and that vibrates to that night always feel.”