US Open: Djokovic & Alcaraz under minor injury cloud

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz both had injury scares on the final weekend of practice in New York ahead of the US Open beginning on Monday.

Both players – who lead outright betting for the year’s final Grand Slam – were forced to end their pre-tournament practice sessions early due to injury concerns.

Alcaraz was seen twisting an ankle on Saturday morning against Francisco Cerundolo, which led him to end the session immediately.

For Djokovic, it was an undisclosed issue that saw him wrap up his hit against Holger Rune prematurely.

Betting favourites quell injury concerns

Speaking to the media, Alcaraz allayed any concerns that his ankle would have an impact on his performance in New York.

“I wasn’t worried at all for my US Open participation,” Alcaraz explained.

“Obviously, I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, just to respect [Francisco] Cerundolo, as well.

“I don’t want to stop any practice.

“I want to practise, I want to get better, I want to get ready for the tournament.

“But honestly with the ankle, I wasn’t worried about that.

“So, I’m sure that tomorrow or in two days I’m going to be at my 100%, for sure.”

Djokovic also spoke with the media over the weekend and gave more detail on his physical state ahead of his first-round match.

“On Friday I practiced for an hour on the outside courts, and then I had some issues, so I didn’t practice any further at Arthur Ashe.

“On Saturday, it wasn’t much of an issue, so I practiced with Wawrinka both on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour per day.

“So far, everything is fine, it’s nothing serious in the wider context.”

The Serbian went on to explain that while he is not injured, he is still not at his best heading into the match against Radu Albot on Monday night.

“It would probably be better if I had a few matches under my belt, but that was the calendar this year, the Games were the priority.

“I came to New York on Tuesday, practicing every day and raising my level, although, I must admit, I am jet-lagged more than usual.

“I don’t know what’s going in, it’s like a part of me stayed in Europe.”

Djokovic’s comments have caused most tennis betting sites to slightly lengthen the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s odds, however.

At one stage the 37-year-old was leading the US Open men’s singles betting at +175.

He has now shifted to +210, with Alcaraz remaining firm at +200 and reclaiming the favourite tag in New York.

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