Djokovic path cleared by Alcaraz withdrawal

Novak Djokovic could have a much clearer path to a possible 10th Australian Open title due to the injury pullout of world No. 1 Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

The teenager who grabbed the top spot from Daniil Medvedev through his US open title four months ago, has had a poor run since his big day.

Alcaraz suffered with an abdominal muscle injury in the autumn and tweaked his leg during preseason training before withdrawing from the Open.

Former top man Djokovic will be seeded fifth at Melbourne Park and made sure to lament the absence of Alcaraz after reaching the ATP final in Adelaide.

“It’s not good for the tournament, not good for tennis,” the 21-time Grand Slam winner said.

“He’s a big name, big star in our sport already. I hope for his speedy recovery.

“When you are out of (match) rhythm, the body can react. You can have some injuries and difficulties when you come back to the tour and start pushing more and playing points,.

“He’s still young, got plenty of time. I hope he can recover and be back on the tour quickly.”

With top seed Rafael Nadal experiencing poor form, Djokovic is emerging as the title favourite, though his chances are so overpowering that his winning odds are shortening.

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Nadal goes down in final match

Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…

3 days ago

Sinner flattens de Minaur in runaway home start

Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…

2 weeks ago

Madcap Medvedev suffers temperamental Turin Finals loss

Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…

2 weeks ago

Team Sinner considering skipping Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…

2 weeks ago

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

1 month ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

1 month ago