Novak Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is 'the player to beat' on clay ahead of Italian Open in Rome

Novak Djokovic says Carlos Alcaraz is «the player to beat» on clay ahead of his return to competitive action at the Italian Open. The 35-year-old is making his comeback to the ATP Tour after struggling with an elbow injury during the clay court season. Ad He did not compete at the Madrid Open last week after struggling physically at the Monte Carlo Masters and Banja Luka.

In Monte Carlo he went out to Lorenzo Musetti in the third round before losing to Dusan Lajovic in the quarter-finals in Serbia. ATP RomeExclusive: Becker – Alcaraz is ‘rewriting tennis history’2 HOURS AGO Meanwhile, Alcaraz has won three titles on clay, including Barcelona and Madrid, and has a record of 19-1 on the surface this season. Alcaraz will leapfrog Djokovic into the world No.

1 spot even if he loses his opening match in Italy, which is the first tournament this season to feature both players. «He [Alcaraz] has been playing some very impressive tennis,» Djokovic told a pre-tournament press conference. «A great level.

He’s the player to beat on this surface, no doubt. Of course, it depends if [Rafael] Nadal is going to play in French Open or not. “But Alcaraz is one of the top favourites without any dilemma.

He’s been playing fantastic tennis. We faced each other only once last year in Madrid. »If we get a chance to face each other here, would be in finals.

I think we would both love to play in the finals. «It is strange that we haven’t been in the same draw since the beginning of the season. Due to the circumstances on both sides, that didn’t happen.

»He’s going to be No. 1 after this tournament whatever happens. Deservedly so." Exclusive: Becker — Alcaraz is 'rewriting tennis history' Exclusive: Rune insists he is not a tennis 'bad boy'