Carlos Alcaraz has been told to expect another 5-set marathon with Novak Djokovic at the Wimbledon final on Sunday by his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero as he backed Djokovic as favorite to clinch his record-tying 8th title at the All England Club.
The Spaniard will take on the 24-time Grand Slam champion for the second year in a row at the oldest major in the tennis history. In last year’s championship match, Alcaraz came out top in a high-octane contest that went to 5 s-sets. The youngster denied Djokovic his title defense and record-equaling 8th title to clinch his maiden Wimbledon crown with a 1-6, 7(8)-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 historic triumph.
The duo’s route to the SW19 could not be more contrasting this year as razor-sharp Alcaraz made his way to the Wimbledon riding on the back of his maiden French Open title.
Djokovic on the other hand had to pull out of his quarterfinal clash at Roland Garros to have a procedure on his right knee after sustaining meniscus tear at the Parisian Slam with his Wimbledon campaign in jeopardy. But the 37-year-old not only recovered in time but has battled impressively through 6 matches to enter 10th Wimbledon final of his stellar career.
Ferrero says his charge has been communicated to expect another tough battle on Sunday despite legendary Serbian’s recent physical woes.
“What we know [about Djokovic] is that 37 days ago he was going under the knife, and now he’s in the Wimbledon final,” the Spaniard said.
“You have to adapt to the reality, and the reality is that he has recovered from the operation very quickly and very well. I think he’s managed to play at a good level again, and the most important thing for him is to be in optimal physical condition.
“He’s moving well, we’re seeing him slide without problems when he’s moving. We have to plan the match expecting a battle at least like that of last year. I’ve been telling Carlos it’s going to be five hours again, so his mental level must be very high.”
Despite Alcaraz’s win over Djokovic in last year’s final, the former World No. 1 favored the Djokovic to win his record-extending 25th major but warned that his 3-time Slam champion protégé will make life “difficult for Djokovic”.
“If we’re realistic, because of the experience he has of these kinds of finals and the number of titles he has at Wimbledon, the favourite is Djokovic,” the 2003 Roland Garros Champion said. “Obviously, we know the potential Carlos has. In the team, we like to think that if Carlos plays well he will make things very difficult for Novak, but we know Djokovic’s level. Even on bad days he knows what to do and how to come through those problems, so we’re expecting a very high level in the match from Novak.”