World number one in men’s tennis, Carlos Alcaraz is anticipating facing Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Australian Open.
Djokovic missed the 2022 event after being sent home for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19, which was a compulsory requirement for participating players.
The Serb also missed the US Open for not having evidence of vaccination, a requirement for entering the country.
With COVID-19 no longer gripping the world as it did a year ago, it is expected Djokovic returns to Melbourne Park in January without any issues.
“Tennis is better having the best players in the world, and for the fans as well it’s good to see a tournament with the best players,” Alcaraz was quoted in Eurosport
“Talking for me, I want to see Novak play in every tournament. I always said that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best player in the world.
“I’m a lucky guy to have Djokovic on the tour.”
Alcaraz has missed court action since retiring from the Paris Masters in November due to an abdominal problem -the setback made him miss the Davis Cup and the season-ending ATP Finals.
The 19-year-old has now disclosed that he is almost close to full fitness.
“I feel good finally,” he said. “I had a month to recover well the ab and right now I feel almost 100 percent. I have been training normally this past week and I’m feeling great.
“Of course having a target on my back from everyone is going to be a little bit different for me this year and I have to be prepared for that.
“I’m going to try to finish 2023 at the same position as right now. It’s going to be a long year but of course I’m going to enjoy.”
Alcaraz reached world No. 1 position for the first time in his career after beating Casper Ruud in the US Open final.
The Spaniard also lifted ATP 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid, as well the 500 event in Barcelona this year.
