[ad_1]
Djokovic has been in this position before, one match away from the heavyweight duel with one of the biggest names in the sport, often Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Last year, it was a quarterfinal match against Nadal, who also has 22 Grand Slam singles titles. The year before, Nadal loomed in the semifinals. Those both came to fruition.
Djokovic did not pretend he has not been paying attention to what will come after what comes next.
“You always follow the top guys in your half, how they’re playing,” he said. “Of course you’re looking, you’re analyzing everyone’s game.”
Yes, he is focused on himself, he said, “but of course I do keep in mind what the others are doing.”
The “others,” of course, means Alcaraz, who, perhaps because of his youth, comes to his matches from a vantage point other than energy conservation, looking instead to create the greatest spectacle possible.
He relished the prospect of Sunday’s match with Musetti, his smile breaking out and his eyes lighting up as he spoke of playing another flashy upstart.
“Really good rallies, good shots between us, and of course it’s going to be a really fun match to watch, as well,” he said.
At times, that can be as important to him as winning. He almost never sees a drop shot he does not want to race to, a lob he does not think he can chase down so he can extend the rally with a shot between the legs, even if it means giving his opponent an easy overhead, which he will also try to chase. He is the one making the magic but also its biggest fan.
[ad_2]
Source link
