"Utter disregard for Nadal in US Open" - Tennis fans divided over Carlos Alcaraz's latest statement regarding Novak Djokovic's New York participation
Tennis fans have shared their opinion regarding Carlos Alcaraz’s admission about Novak Djokovic's absence from the US Open.
While speaking to the New York Times after his US Open win, Carlos Alcaraz accepted that Novak Djokovic’s absence from Flushing Meadows possibly elevated his chances of winning his first Grand Slam title. The young Spaniard, however, also maintained that his personal efforts deserved credit.
"Look, I don’t want to take credit away from myself, but it’s true that Rafa, Djokovic, Federer, they were in a period when they were all playing. I had the luck or whatever you want to call it that Djokovic could not play," he said.
Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open without having to face the ‘Big-3’ since Novak Djokovic was banned from entering the US due to his unvaccinated status. Rafael Nadal was knocked out by Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round and Roger Federer hasn’t played competitive tennis since Wimbledon last year.
Novak Djokovic's fans, who were already revolting against the Serb’s unwarranted ban from the States, were seemingly put at ease after the teenager's admission.
One fan appreciated the 19-year-old's maturity and stated that Alcaraz was still the winner and deserved the utmost respect.
"This statement shows a maturity beyond his years. He still was the winner & deserves lots of respect, on & off the court," the fan said.
@WeAreTennis @nytimes This statement shows a maturity beyond his years. He still was the winner & deserves lots of respect, on & off the court.
Another fan admired the fact that Alcaraz was upfront with his statement, but reminded how the Serb's fans were treated unfairly when they vocalized the same sentiment. The individual further claimed that 2023 would be a real test for the US Open champion as Djokovic would be allowed to contest all Grand Slams.
I'm pleased Alcaraz has said this himself; some Nolefam said exactly the same and got abused for saying it.
Great credit for Carlos to get to No 1 and winning his 1st slam but he is also aware it was not a level playing field this year. Which is why 2023 will be the real test. twitter.com/wearetennis/st…
However, many tennis fans were also divided about whether the former World No. 1's absence held any weight, with one fan deriding the teenager for disregarding Rafael Nadal.
@WeAreTennis @nytimes Woww utter disregard for Nadal in US Open 2022. Interesting.
Here are some more reactions from fans:
@WeAreTennis @nytimes He knows who the GOAT is❤️
@WeAreTennis @nytimes What he says is right, but it must also be specified that there were 127 other players on the draw and only he took full advantage of Djokovic's absence, like Rafa in Australia.
Taking full advantage of an opportunity when others have not been able to take advantage is a MERIT!
@WeAreTennis @nytimes It would not have made a difference if all three were healthy and in the draw, this was your time and no one was going to deny you of the title, NO ONE,
Congrats on being the best player in the world🌐
🇪🇸🏆🇪🇸
@WeAreTennis @nytimes He has everything to become one of them but he needs other great players/opponents to grew up. More players like Sinner maybe help him to reach that level.
@WeAreTennis @nytimes @CamiLay96 now I like him with this statement 👍
@WeAreTennis @nytimes At his level, he would have beaten djokovic and i'm sure he knows that
@WeAreTennis @nytimes Honorable. Thank you Carlos. Good not to pretend you are something when you really are not. take all the bigs out and then stay on the top for a few years first. Novakfan
🏻
🏻@WeAreTennis @nytimes Who cares who is not there! To win beat the players in front of you!
The title is Alcaraz’ forever 👌🏻💪🏻
@newbound_mike @WeAreTennis @nytimes believe me he wont play like that nor anyone else when they face djoko
they lose half of their skills
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have clashed once on tour
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have locked horns once on the ATP tour. The current World No. 1 faced the former World No. 1 in May this year at the Masters 1000 event in Madrid. Incidentally, home favorite Alcaraz emerged as the winner of their sole encounter, winning 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the semifinal.
The teenager achieved this result right after defeating his older compatriot Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals, thus becoming the only person to beat the duo back-to-back in the same claycourt event.
The young Spaniard went on to win his second Masters 1000 title at the tournament by outclassing defending champion Alexander Zverev in straight sets.