Alcaraz shares his biggest struggles as he looks to stop Djokovic at US Open

Carlos Alcaraz opened up on the struggles in his game after he reached the second week of the US Open. The world No 1 is bidding to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to successfully defend the title in Flushing Meadows. And he will be trying to stop Novak Djokovic from winning his 24th Major if they meet in a mouthwatering final in seven days’ time.

Alcaraz continued his US Open title defence with a tricky victory over Dan Evans on Saturday, dropping a set for the first time at this year’s tournament. The top seed outlasted the Brit 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3 and will now take on Matteo Arnaldi for a spot in the quarter-final.

The 20-year-old addressed the weaknesses in his game after dropping a set to Evans as the 26th seed claimed that his opponent had “too many shots” and sometimes didn’t know what to do with them. And it was something Alcaraz agreed with as he admitted it was a struggle – especially earlier in his career.

“I always have that,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said. “When I was young, I’m playing, you know, under-12, under-14 tournaments. In my mind came a lot of different things before hitting the shot. Probably the drop shot, big forehand, go to the net, you know, multiple things, you know, and sometimes it was tough to find the right one.”

Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news

Just in Coco Gauff explains reason her dad did ‘laps of the stadium’ during US Open win[LATEST]

While those days were mostly behind the 20-year-old, he said he still had difficulty finding the right shots as a result. Alcaraz added: “For me, you know, when I was younger, it was difficult sometimes. But right now I think most of the time I find the right one, but sometimes I struggle, you know, to hit good shots because of that.”

The top seed in Flushing Meadows is feeling still good about his game this fortnight despite getting candid about his struggles, in what will be bad news for his opponents. Speaking after he beat Evans, Alcaraz said: “I think I’m playing a good level.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
US Open star admits to using reverse trash talk tactic in Ben Shelton showdown[QUOTES]
Coco Gauff battles past Caroline Wozniacki to keep US Open dream alive[REPORT]
Young US Open fan rejects personal Tommy Paul invitation into player’s box[RECAP]

“I’m feeling really, really well on court, really comfortable. I always say that I can be better, but right now I’m really, really happy with the level that I’m playing.” With a highly-anticipated final meeting against Djokovic still on the cards, there is still a long way to go before either man can make it there.

Alcaraz faces Arnaldi in the fourth round on Monday while Djokovic will attempt to book his spot in the quarter-final on Sunday night when he faces qualifier Borna Gojo. The likes of Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner are still looking in Alcaraz’s half of the draw while Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe are in the bottom section with the 23-time Grand Slam winner.

Source: Read Full Article