Djokovic publicly defends Alcaraz after Davis Cup withdrawal announcement
Novak Djokovic has come to the defense of Carlos Alcaraz, who missed this week’s Davis Cup matches, saying the 20-year-old Spaniard may be young, but he is not Superman.
Alcaraz withdrew ahead of the final group stage after losing to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open semi-finals, saying he needed rest.
Djokovic, whose Serbia faces Spain on Friday, told Spanish media in Valencia: “Maybe you are upset that he is not playing for Spain, because he is 20 years old and I I’m 36, and he’s tired and I’m not. It’s important to understand that he still has a lot of time ahead of him.”
Djokovic, who beat Medvedev to achieve his 24th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows, added: “He already played for Spain last year, we must not forget that. He won the US Open last year. last year and a few days later, he was here playing for his heart and his passion for his country.”
“I know the backlash and the reaction from my country hasn’t been very good and there’s a lot of criticism when you don’t play for your country,” he said.
“It’s difficult to always be perfect and always available. We are part of an individual sport, you represent your country but also yourself and there are a lot of tournaments, and he has played a lot. Even though he has 20 years doesn’t mean he’s a Superman. He also needs to rest… It’s better for us, for the Serbian team, that he’s not here, honestly, but I’m sure that he will return and bring much joy to Spain.”
Djokovic was rested by Viktor Troicki, the captain of the Serbian Davis Cup team, during his country’s opening victory (3-0) against South Korea on Tuesday. But despite a long season, he said he was ready to help Serbia in their quest to qualify for the knockout finals in Malaga next month.
“I don’t feel very fresh, obviously, after several exhausting months with a lot of matches, but I think it’s a positive fatigue for the success I had in America. I have to try to maintain the intensity and to do everything I can to adapt my body and myself to the new time zone and new conditions, and to bring points to my country.”
2023-09-14 20:04:34
#Djokovic #publicly #defends #Alcaraz #Davis #Cup #withdrawal #announcement
