Novak Djokovic stepped in to defend Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday for lacking this week’s Davis Cup matches, saying the 20-year-old Spaniard could also be younger however he’s not Superman.
Alcaraz pulled out of the ultimate group stage after shedding to Daniil Medvedev within the US Open semifinals, saying he wanted a relaxation.
Spain might have carried out with the world quantity two when shedding their opening Group C tie in Valencia 3-0 to the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
Djokovic, whose Serbia face Spain on Friday, informed the Spanish media in Valencia: “Perhaps you guys are upset he’s not enjoying for Spain, as a result of he’s 20 years previous and I’m 36, and the way he’s drained and I’m not.
“It’s vital to know he’s received a whole lot of time forward of him.”
Djokovic, who defeated Medvedev for a record-equalling twenty fourth Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows, added: “He already performed for Spain final yr, you may’t neglect that.
“He received the US Open final yr and after a number of days he was right here enjoying for his coronary heart and his ardour for his nation.”
The world primary recalled the upset he triggered when selecting to not compete for Serbia within the annual males’s staff competitors.
“I’ve skipped the Davis Cup a number of instances, I do know the backlash and response from my nation was not so nice and there’s a whole lot of negativity once you skip enjoying to your nation,” he mentioned.
“It’s troublesome to all the time be excellent and all the time out there. We’re a part of a person sport, you signify your nation but additionally your self and there’s a whole lot of tournaments, and he has performed loads.”
Djokovic added: “Although he’s 20 years previous, it doesn’t imply he’s a Superman.
“He must relaxation as nicely … It’s higher for us, the Serbian staff that he’s not right here, truthfully, however I’m certain he’ll be again and convey a whole lot of pleasure to Spain.”
Djokovic was rested by Serbia’s Davis Cup skipper Viktor Troicki for his nation’s opening 3-0 win in opposition to South Korea on Tuesday.
However regardless of a protracted season he mentioned he was prepared to assist Serbia’s quest to qualify for the knockout finals in Malaga subsequent month.
“I don’t really feel very contemporary clearly after an exhausting a number of months with a whole lot of matches, however I feel this can be a constructive tiredness for the success that I had in America.
“There’s not a lot time to get better, I’ve to try to keep the depth and attempt to do every little thing I can to adapt my physique and myself to the brand new time zone and new situations and contribute to my nation with the factors.”