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regular-article-logo Saturday, 23 November 2024

Did Alcaraz’s father film Novak Djokovic during practice at Wimbledon? Carlos says probably

Players practice on adjacent courts that have no walls or barriers between them, so they can keep tabs on each other, too

Our Bureau Wimbledon Published 14.07.23, 08:28 AM
Carlos Alcaraz with his father.

Carlos Alcaraz with his father. File photo

Someone apparently saw Carlos Alcaraz’s dad filming Novak Djokovic during practice at Wimbledon. So Alcaraz was asked if that did, indeed, happen — and he said he wouldn’t be surprised if it did.

That’s because Alcaraz’s father is a big fan of tennis. Spends all day at the All England Club, even, watching plenty of players other than the No. 1-ranked 20-year-old known as “Carlitos.”

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Dad keeps an eye on matches. On practices, too. And so, sure, maybe he pulled out his phone and snapped some video of Djokovic, the son said.

“To be able to watch Djokovic in real life, yeah, probably it is true he’d film the sessions,” Alcaraz said.

“I think he gets into the Club at 11am, gets out at 10pm, watching matches, watching practice from everyone.”

The practice courts at Wimbledon are accessible to reporters and a limited number of fans, who often line up to watch the sport’s biggest names during their sessions and then record some footage as a keepsake.

Players practice on adjacent courts that have no walls or barriers between them, so they can keep tabs on each other, too.

If Alcaraz beats Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals on Friday, he might end up facing Djokovic in the final. Djokovic has won Wimbledon four times in a row and seven times overall. He plays Jannik Sinner in the other semi-final.

So could video captured by his father give Alcaraz an advantage?

“I don’t think so,” Alcaraz said. “I mean, I have a lot of videos from Djokovic on every platform.”

Speaking in general, Serb star Djokovic — aiming for a record-equalling eighth crown — is not happy with the lack of ‘privacy’ while training at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Park.

He said: “The fact is that you are not completely relaxed in training, because you know that your rivals are there, too.

“That everyone is watching over your shoulder what is happening and what you are working on.

“This content could contribute to certain analyses and preparations, which would affect the outcome of an eventual match-up with — well, Alcaraz — or anyone else.”

Alcaraz did not need a spy tape to beat former doubles partner Rune in front of Queen Camilla and England cricket captain Ben Stokes.

He will be the favourite to see off Russian Daniil Medvedev in Friday’s semi-finals, too.

Alcaraz added: “It’s a dream to play the semi-final here. “I can’t believe I’m in this position in just a short period. It’s crazy.”

Written with inputs from AP/PTI

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