Alcaraz believes Sinner will beat Djokovic

World No. 2 Alcaraz was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, meaning one of only two players to have beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam final has been eliminated.

Alcaraz's exit has seen bookmakers slash the odds on Djokovic winning an 11th title in Melbourne (meaning his chances of winning have increased). However, Alcaraz still believes Djokovic can be beaten at the place where he has achieved more success than any other player.

Bookmakers' odds of Djokovic winning the Australian Open have been slashed after Alcaraz was eliminated (Photo: Getty).

The young Spaniard hinted that semi-final opponent Jannik Sinner could be the man to do it after winning two of his last three matches against Djokovic.

"I think the semi-finalists have the quality to beat Djokovic. Let's see," Alcaraz said. "It's not easy to beat Djokovic at any tournament, but I think it's much more difficult at a Grand Slam."

"However, Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner, who is playing in unbelievable form. Sinner has not lost a set in this tournament, which means he has the level and ability to beat Djokovic."

Sinner said he was ready to face Djokovic in the semi-finals after he beat the Serbian at the ATP Finals and Davis Cup in the final weeks of last season.

"This is what I train for, to play against the best players in the world," Sinner said. "Djokovic has an incredible record here, so for me it's a pleasure to play against him, especially at the end of the tournament where things get a little more interesting."

"To be honest, I'm really looking forward to the match even though I know it will be difficult. I will give 100%, have the right attitude, fight for every ball. Then we will wait for the result."

Sinner is full of confidence ahead of the battle with Djokovic (Photo: Getty).

Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Mats Wilander believes that the desire to beat Djokovic among young players is burning extremely strong, and that is the reason why the Serbian continues to dominate at the top of the men's event.

"I think Pete Sampras retired because he was bored with tennis, there was a big difference with Djokovic," Wilander told Eurosport, reflecting on Sampras' retirement after winning the 2002 US Open. "I think Djokovic will retire when he doesn't want to do the job anymore."

"I think Djokovic will never lose the feeling and the happiness of playing in front of 15,000 people. Djokovic will always enjoy it because he is a warrior on the court, but for players like him, the result is also very important."

"Of course that's not why the top players play. They play to compete and challenge themselves. It starts with getting up in the morning and doing the work. And when it's no longer fun, I think that's when Djokovic will retire."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/alcaraz-tin-tuong-sinner-se-danh-bai-djokovic-20240126120834974.htm