Alcaraz all set to give tough fight to Djokovic and Nadal at French Open

Carlos Alcaraz in Madrid. A thunderbolt much like his forehand. That the Spaniard closed back-to-back wins over the Czars of the sport en route to his second ATP Masters title two weeks ago, underscored his mettle.

With just one more top tier tango to go in the run-up to the French Open, Alcaraz had emerged as the man to beat. It was about timing, not unlike his featherlight dropshots. That was until the world No.1 Novak Djokovic checked in with his record-extending 38th ATP Masters title in Rome on Sunday.

It wasn’t the stat, staggering as it is, it was the circumstances. At that point, the 35-year-old, the only player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles, had just eight match wins from four tournaments in 2022. Djokovic didn’t land that winner from an impossible position, he wasn’t even on the court.

The Serb’s charge in Rome showcased his steel which is exactly what Roland Garros’ red clay rewards. The French Open, ostensibly the most arduous of tennis’ four Slams, is the sport’s ultra. While Rafael Nadal, with 13 crowns, maybe this Grand Slam’s plus ultra, further and beyond as Spain’s motto scores, Djokovic has raised the level of the game played between the ears right to the thermosphere.

It's a pity that Djokovic and Nadal, who between them have 41 major titles, could face-off in the quarters rather than the final. The winner of that clash might run into Alcaraz in the semifinals. Fireworks on a weekday.

Had Nadal, whose achy left-foot ensured his preparations were as brief as a G-string design, held on to a top-four slot, the draw might’ve sparked a different look. But that’s for the connoisseur’s column. Djokovic, who covers the court with an elasticity that puts spandex to shade, is not confusing matters.