Novak Djokovic After his win, all eyes of the tennis world focused on him US Open and recover the number 1 ranking in the ATP. And even more so when he returns to Spain to play davis cup Before facing Serbia and David Ferrer’s team in a full pavilion at La Fonteta this Friday no tickets left for sale. All this, future plans and the absence of them Carlos AlcarazHe spoke at length at a press conference in Valencia this Thursday.
I’m returning to Spain
I am excited to return to Spain and Valencia after many years and represent my country in Davis.. I said I would be here last year. Frankly, I’m not very fresh after the last few tiring weeks. I didn’t have much time to recover and had to adapt my body to the new conditions to help Serbia score in the Davis Cup.
Spain’s rivals
I don’t know who I will play against Spain. Davis is a competition where you represent your country and always give more to win. The whole game is important. I’m happy to play here. If we beat Spain, we will go to Malaga anyway.
Spanish proficiency
I continue to work on my Spanish, I understand more than I speak. I’m trying, I have good teachers in Marbella.
fan following
Tennis in the Balkan region is growing and becoming popular, and not only in Serbia, Czechia and Slovakia…. Spain is also a power, we do not need to discover it. And people come to fill stadiums to cheer on their teams. It’s different from other tournaments.
Paris 2024 target
My plan is to play Olympic GamesI’m here physically and mentally. Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Olympic Games on land and the US Open. It’s an interesting challenge but my plan is to be in the Olympics, you’re representing your country and it has its own feel.
Friendship with Davidovich
I have known Davidovich for a long time, I have seen him a lot, he lives near Marbella, he has a great coach, he has been rising in the rankings in recent years. He has played his best tennis in the last year and a half, just like in Monte Carlo. He is capable of playing his best tennis in the best places.. He is very complete, dynamic, fast, he has great hands, he can do everything, he loves this atmosphere, you have to work hard to beat these people.
Discussion with Davis format and Piqué
I will not criticize Piqué, the format was changed a few years ago, it was an opportunity to invest in sports. There are different opinions about this format, in my opinion it is not the best format, we went to another extreme of what exists. The balance had to be balanced. It does not allow countries to play at home, nor does it give young people the opportunity to see their country at home. I don’t decide. However, players do not participate in the decision process. I don’t know exactly what caused Kosmos and the ITF to split. The historic rivalry of the tennis world. I think this format should be changed. I think it is necessary not only for me, but also for other players, to be able to participate in making this competition so important.
Goals by the end of the year
My priority is not to finish the year as number one, but to win as much as possible and play with my national team. Everything else is an extra bonus.
Alcaraz’s absence
I always protect players in this situation. Alcaraz is not here, he is young, he is tired, we need to understand him.. I know you love representing your country. We are part of an individual sport, he has represented his country many times but he needs rest. To be honest, it is better for Serbia that he is not here, but I wish him and Spain the best.
What Alcaraz has done since he was 19, 20, 21 is incredible, he is one of the most complete players I have ever come across, he has a family and a team that will go far.
I haven’t played in Serbia every year for 20 years, there are years when you play a lot of tournaments, you feel tired, I know Alcaraz has hope that Spain can qualify to Malaga and I’m sure he will play in Malaga. I wasn’t here last year and I don’t know if Serbia qualified for Malaga. I had no luck. It’s normal that Spain isn’t happy with him because he’s not here, it’s even worse It is better for the Serbs that he is not here. But I defend Carlos because I know how he feels. But at the age of 20, he certainly has plenty of time to represent Spain and win the Davis Cup for Spain.
Longing for Nadal and Federer
I don’t know how much I miss them individually, but tennis definitely does because they are two legends who left a tremendous legacy for our sport and our sport in general.
Czech Tennis
It has a very long tradition and there are always four or five best players in the rankings. We are probably facing the golden generation of Czech tennis. according to me In safe hands and a very experienced captain. No wonder they’re always there. They have a very good team.