Alcaraz positive for Paris after friendly brush with Djoko

Carlos Alcaraz is poised for an injury comeback at this week’s Paris Masters after venturing into the lion’s den with his hottest ATP rival.

The second-ranked Spaniard who took time off this month with a foot injury after a Shanghai fourth-round three weeks ago, got in a weekend training session with No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

The good natured hit-out could be a preview of a possible final next Sunday if both men progress through the indoor field at the last calendar event of the regular season.

“It’s the best way to get ready for this tournament – practice with the best one,” the 20-year-old said.

“We spoke before coming to Paris and talked about practising one day; it  happened yesterday. 

“He won… hopefully just for practice.”

Alcaraz and Djokovic are both making comebacks this week, with the 36-year-old Serb playing for the first time since winning the US Open title over Daniil Medvedev in September.

The seeded pair have byes into the second round and have both qualified for the eight-man ATP Finals starting November 12 in Turin.

The remainder of the year-end Italian field will be decided this week on court in Paris.

However, Alcaraz still has some fine-tuning to do and some questions which can only be answered in the heat of battle.

“I’m not gonna say that I’m 100 per cent.. it could be a lie. After a long year almost every player has a little bit of problem in their body.

“I’m feeling a little bit of pain, but I had a really good recovery these weeks. I’m coming here feeling well enough to do a good result here.”

The Spaniard has a quarter-final here after going out in the 2021 third round.

“l think the draw is really open and there are a lot of great players at a high level, a lot of players can win this tournament.