Coach Ivanisevic: 'Only Djokovic and Sinner can fight Alcaraz'

"Not counting Djokovic, only Sinner can threaten Alcaraz," coach Ivanisevic said on Sportske Novosti on August 2. "Sinner's style of play makes it difficult for Alcaraz, they have created many exciting and tense matches in the past. No one can hold out against Alcaraz for long, other than the two mentioned above. Those who can't stand the speed of Alcaraz. Alcaraz can prepare for defeat and take the racquet home."

Alcaraz is holding the number one position in the world, considered the best tennis player currently. Djokovic lost two of his three encounters with the young Spaniard, the most recent of which was in the Wimbledon final last month. The remaining Grand Slam that Alcaraz has ever won is the US Open 2022, where he saved the match-point to defeat Sinner in the quarterfinals. In seven confrontations between the two young talents, Alcaraz won four matches.

Among the remaining players, coach Ivanisevic also highly appreciated Daniil Medvedev, but said that the Russian player must be in very high form to hope to beat Alcaraz. Although Alcaraz has just stopped Nole from winning a record eight times Wimbledon, Mr. Ivanisevic still adores the 20-year-old player.

"He is a phenomenon, coming to tennis as a miracle for the sport," added the Croatia strategist. "The energy he brings to the field is amazing. He's always smiling, even when he loses."

In the last four Grand Slams, Djokovic won the Australian Open and Roland Garros, while Alcaraz won the US Open last year and Wimbledon this year. Djokovic will return to New York for the first time, after losing to Medvedev in the final in 2021 and missing the opportunity to win the entire Grand Slam in the same year. Last year, Nole did not attend the US Open due to being banned from entering the United States.

Alcaraz will return at the Rogers Cup - the ATP 1000 tournament kicks off August 7 in Toronto, Canada. Djokovic has withdrawn from this tournament. Nole will only play one warm-up before the US Open, the Cincinnati Masters.