Carlos Alcaraz rejects Novak Djokovic claim as mind games ramp up ahead of French Open

Carlos Alcaraz has rejected Novak Djokovic's claim that he is the 'best player in the world' this year and put the pressure straight back on the world No 1 by claiming that the Serb is the greatest. After defeating Djokovic and Rafael Nadal back-to-back en route to the Madrid Masters title, the world No 6 is now ahead of the defending champion in the bookies' favourites for the upcoming French Open.

Djokovic piled the pressure on Alcaraz ahead of the French Open as he claimed the 19-year-old was without question 'the best player in the world this year' after losing his first meeting with the Spaniard 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) in the Madrid Open semi-final on Saturday, but Alcaraz has rejected the Serb's claim.

"No, the truth is that I don't think so," the new world No 6 said of the 20-time Major champion's bold statement, speaking to Marca. "For me the best in the world is the one who is No 1 and is the one who deserves it," he added, throwing the baton back to Djokovic amid the pre-French Open mind games.

The five-time title winner said he would not be the best until he reached the No 1 spot himself, despite the praise from the Serb. He continued: "Now there is Djokovic, I am six, I have five left to be the best in the world."

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