Latest news with #EurosportSpain
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Andy Murray absence 'won't impact' Djokovic as tennis star sets sights on remarkable Madrid Open landmark
The two-time Wimbledon winner was a big rival of the Serbian during his playing days Novak Djokovic insist he is still "motivated" to compete at the highest level despite the absence of Andy Murray on the tennis court. The Scots tennis star retired from tennis after last year's Olympics and was announced as the Serbian's new coach in November. In an interview with the Telegraph, former rival Rafael Nadal admitted Murray "surprised" him by taking the coaching role while admitting the pair make a "good combination". The 24-time Grand Slam winner is now preparing to play at the Madrid Open for the first time since 2022, with his first match taking place on Friday. Djokovic had stated many times last year that he was lacking the desire to compete in regular ATP Tour events, with his focus mainly on Grand Slam tournaments. Despite this, Djokovic played in a tour event in Qatar in February, Indian Wells, Miami Masters and the Monte Carlo Masters. He is currently training in Madrid with coach Murray alongside him and was asked by Eurosport Spain if the retirement of his great rivals - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Murray - had killed his motivation to play at the highest level. "If I'm not motivated, I'm not here. I don't play anymore. I put the racket to rest," Djokovic responded. "I still feel the desire to play, the passion to compete is always there. I hope to push harder. The Grand Slams are tournaments where I have more motivation to do well." If he triumphs in Madrid, Murray will have helped Djokovic win a 100th title of his remarkable career - third behind Jimmie Connors (109) and Federer (103). When asked about his chances Madrid, he added: "I'm always optimistic, but I don't know if I'm one of the favourites because I'm not having very good results this year," he added. "The level I'm looking for could come here or at Roland Garros, I hope it will be here. "I always have very good feelings when I return to Madrid, to Spain. It's a country I love very much. I've won the Madrid Open three times in my career, with extraordinary matches against Nadal and [Carlos] Alcaraz. "I've played little here in the last six to seven years, but I missed the Spanish public, because they know the sport well and respect tennis a lot. I have a good feeling and I hope to have a good tournament."
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Novak Djokovic rubbishes criticism of Carlos Alcaraz: ‘At 21, he has won four Grand Slams, what more do you want?'
An inconsistent run over the last nine months with a few unexpected losses has led to some pressure on Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old World No. 2 from Spain whose achievements have raised sky high expectations as the younger generation look set to take over men's tennis from the older lot. However, 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic, leader and last man standing of the previous generation, feels any criticism directed towards his younger rival is entirely unfair, given everything he has already achieved by his age. 'No, I don't understand it (the criticism Alcaraz has faced),' Djokovic was quoted as saying by Eurosport Spain ahead of the Madrid Masters. 'But the atmosphere and tradition of tennis in this country is very high. The expectation is enormous after Nadal, (Carlos) Moya, (Juan Carlos) Ferrero… they've all been world No. 1. But, listen. He's 21 years old, he's won four Grand Slams and many tournaments. What more do you want? You want more, but what he's done in this period is incredible.' Alcaraz has hit some good form recently, winning the Monte Carlos Masters and reaching the final in Barcelona where he was beaten by Holger Rune. The Spanish sensation has done it 🇪🇸 @carlosalcaraz triumphs over Novak Djokovic, 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in an all-time classic #Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023 Djokovic has arrived in Madrid chasing form for a potential 25th Major at Roland Garros. He's also on the hunt for a 100th career title. But after an indifferent few years on tour, he was asked if his motivation has fallen after seeing his rivals retire — one of them, Andy Murray has even joined up with him as his coach. The Serb said the fire still burns to make more history. 'Maybe so,' he said when asked if his motivation has reduced after seeing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retire. 'But if I'm not motivated, I'm not here. I don't play anymore. I put the racquet to rest. I still feel the desire to play, the passion to compete is always there. I hope to push harder. The Grand Slams are tournaments where I have more motivation to do well,' the 37-year-old added.
