Novak Djokovic confirmed his presence in New York this Sunday Valencia to join Serbia’s Davis Cup squad for the group stage, scheduled to run from the 12th to the 17th. He told an interviewer in Spanish that he would be part of the team and that Valencia would host the gathering in the coming days. The new United States Open champion, who has now claimed his 24th major title, indicated his plans would be finalized after a brief pause to rest and regroup. (Source: sports interviews and official player communications.)
Following that announcement, Carlos Alcaraz—who had advanced to the semifinals of the year’s final major—adjusted plans by confirming his withdrawal from the Spanish Davis Cup squad for Group C, which also includes Serbia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. This development effectively removes the anticipated blockbuster matchup between the world No. 1 and No. 2, at least for the Davis Cup in Valencia. (Source: team statements and press briefings.)
One Spanish source shared that Alcaraz had been eager to compete for Spain in Valencia but felt the need to listen to his body after an exceptionally demanding tour. The player emphasized the calendar’s strain and the substantial season still ahead, noting his intention to recharge physically and mentally before following the Davis Cup action as a supporter for his teammates. (Source: social media notes from El Palmar and official statements.)
I was very excited to play for the Davis team in Valencia, but after such a long tour I need to listen to my body. I need to stop and rest physically and mentally. The schedule is very demanding, there is still so much season left and now I need to recharge my batteries. pic.twitter.com/TY0YXLWQ1k
— Carlos Alcaraz (Social post, September 9, 2023). (Source: post on the player’s official social channel.)
Alcaraz was slated to be part of a squad led by captain David Ferrer, joined by Albert Ramos-Vinolas along with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Roberto Bautista Agut, Marcel Granollers, and Bernabé Zapata Miralles. (Source: team roster announcements and federation communications.)
1’s challenge and Alcaraz rivalry
In his remarks in Spanish, Djokovic also touched on Alcaraz, who was displaced from the world No. 1 ranking earlier in the week. Djokovic acknowledged Alcaraz’s evident enthusiasm and drive to reclaim the top spot, while noting that being No. 1 was not a personal priority at the moment. Djokovic stressed that his focus has long been on winning the sport’s biggest events, and he would be thrilled if results align with that goal as the year closes. The final outcomes would be evaluated at year’s end. (Source: post-match and pre-tournament interviews.)
He recently offered broader remarks during a press conference in English, reflecting on a clash with the young Spanish champion—recently tested by Wimbledon’s title run and a string of strong performances, including notable moments at Roland Garros and Cincinnati prior to the US Open. The narrative of their meetings was described as epic, underscoring the high level of competition between them. (Source: press conference coverage and match reports.)
Insatiable Djokovic wins 24
Drafting
There is no doubt that the sport benefits from having such fierce competition. Djokovic praised the current generation, highlighting the freshness and athleticism of a rising player from El Palmar who remains a bright spot for tennis. He called the young rival a talented athlete and a high-integrity person, emphasizing that more attention to tennis would help everyone involved in the sport. (Source: post-match remarks and media coverage.)
Djokovic also commented on the rivalry between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and he noted the presence of other top ten players such as Rune, along with figures from the newer generation that includes Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Medvedev. He observed that the general interest around Grand Slams and the big four events indicates tennis is in a healthy place. (Source: tournament commentary and season reviews.)
These remarks did not imply that Djokovic believed in a permanent generational shift. He joked about how players come and go and acknowledged that his own career would eventually wind down after many seasons on tour. He suggested that new talents would continue to emerge, and it was reasonable to expect to see more of him on the court for a while yet. (Source: interviews and public appearances.)