Anna 
For the third time this season, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic find themselves in the same section of a tournament draw. After a potential meeting at Indian Wells and their earlier clash at the Australian Open, the two could now face off in the semifinals of the Miami Open.
Alcaraz, excited about the possibility, expressed his enthusiasm during a press conference at the second ATP Masters 1000 event of the year.
“I hope we both make it to the semifinals,” he said. “These are the matches that tennis fans love to watch. Every time we play, it’s exciting.”
Alcaraz, who sees himself as an ambassador for the sport, values the role he plays in attracting new fans.
“I love knowing that I help bring people into tennis,” he said. “I want my style of play to be enjoyable to watch. I don’t just play for myself or my team, but also for the fans.”
If the two meet in Miami, it will be their ninth encounter. Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head record 5-3. However, Alcaraz is not looking too far ahead. He faces a tough road to reach the semifinals, starting with his opening match against David Goffin, with whom he has split their two previous meetings.
“This is a Masters 1000 event, so there are many difficult rounds ahead,” Alcaraz said. “Even from the second round, the matches are tough. If you want to win a tournament like this, you have to beat the best, including Djokovic.”
Alcaraz, ranked No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, remains confident despite his semifinal loss at Indian Wells to eventual champion Jack Draper. Draper, who recently broke into the world’s Top 10, impressed Alcaraz with his physical and mental development.
“He’s playing great tennis right now,” Alcaraz said. “His physical improvement has helped his confidence, and that makes him a dangerous opponent.”
Now, Alcaraz turns his attention to Miami, where he aims to capture his sixth Masters 1000 title and 18th career tour-level trophy.
“I’m happy with my season so far,” he said. “I’ve won one of the four tournaments I’ve played, and my level is good. There have been some tough losses, but I’m improving and on the right path. I believe good things are coming.”
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