Carlos Alcaraz rivalry gives Novak Djokovic ‘new energy’ for ‘final phase of career’ ahead of US Open – Justine Henin

Justine Henin believes Novak Djokovic’s rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz will keep the Serb motivated and hungry for the “final phase of his career.”

The pair have played each other four times and have each won twice, which includes a Grand Slam victory apiece.

At 36, Djokovic is 16 years Alcaraz’s senior and is the last of the ‘Big Three’ still competing on tour regularly following Roger Federer’s retirement and Rafael Nadal’s ongoing injury struggles.

As that era draws to a close, Eurosport expert Henin thinks the chance to take on the best of the next generation will inspire 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic until he decides the time is right to hang up his racquet.

“He always wants more, but how can he not be serene? He has dominated men’s tennis for years,” Henin said on Eurosport at the US Open.

“This new rivalry [vs Alcaraz] is good for him. He went for the record at Roland-Garros, which was a huge moment of peace. There were tears at Wimbledon because you always want to win another title.

“But it feeds off that and this final in Cincinnati…you couldn’t ask for a better rivalry.

“That gives him new energy as he enters the final phase of his career.”

Henin, herself a seven-time Grand Slam winner, also thinks Djokovic will be buoyed by making his return to the US Open.

The Serb last appeared at Flushing Meadows when he lost in the 2021 final to Daniil Medvedev as he attempted to win the Calendar Slam, with his Covid-19 vaccination status ruling him out last year.

“Coming back to New York, where he has experienced so many emotions in recent years and felt the love of the public [vs Medvedev] is great for him,” she added.

Djokovic is no stranger to rivalries having been part of arguably the most competitive era in the history of men’s tennis.

The 36-year-old is well aware it’s what sports fans want to see and he hopes to provide them with another thriller under the bright lights of New York.

“All the matches went the distance; they were physically gruelling and demanding, but very exciting and close matches.

“The fans want to see a rivalry; they want to see the best players in the world go toe-to-toe. Hopefully we can give them another match here in New York.”

Djokovic plays Alexandre Muller in his opening match on Monday night.