Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023 ATP Finals | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic on and what time does it start? Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic will take place on Saturday 18th November, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic taking place? Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic will take place at Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy
What surface is Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic being played on? Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic? Click here for the latest ticket information for Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
What channel is Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic on in the UK? Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic will be televised live on the Amazon Prime Video app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic live on the Prime Video app
THE LOWDOWN
World number one Novak Djokovic confirmed his year-end place at the top of the sport with victory over Holger Rune on Sunday, leaving this match a straight-up semi-final between his new, contemporary rival on tour. 36-year-old Djokovic is targeting a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals crown this weekend, tied as he is currently with Roger Federer on six apiece, and he has so been made to work for it with three deciding sets required in wins over Rune and Hubert Hurkacz, as well as his defeat to group winner Jannik Sinner. Djokovic came back from a set down to beat Carlos Alcaraz to the Cincinnati Masters final in August, less than one month on from his epic five-set defeat to the Spaniard at Wimbledon. Elsewhere at Grand Slams, though, the Serb set a new Men’s record at the Australian Open with 23 major titles and he extended that to 25 with victories at Roland-Garros and the US Open.
World number two Carlos Alcaraz lost the opening match of his ATP Finals debut from a set up to Alexander Zverev on Sunday but he has won all four sets since to end up the group winner above Daniil Medvedev. The 20-year-old has struggled with foot and back issues in recent months, missing the majority of the season since defeat to Medvedev in the semi-finals of the US Open, but he has exhibited the current peak of his powers this year to win six more ATP titles including a second Grand Slam at Wimbledon. Alcaraz’ efforts in that Wimbledon final for the ages in July was his second over Djokovic in a now finely-poised 2-2 head-to-head record but he has yet to win on hardcourts, losing their only encounter on the surface in the Cincinnati final.
THE PREDICTION
Novak Djokovic has battled his way through three three-set epics this week in Turin, losing the middle clash to Jannik Sinner to break a 19-match winning streak that includes the Cincinnati and Paris Masters titles. Only Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, in Dubai back in February, have beaten the Serb on hardcourts this season and that could prove to be the defining factor in this much-anticipated showdown on Saturday – particularly as Alcaraz has struggled with fitness issues in recent months. 20-year-old Alcaraz is through to the last four of the ATP Finals as group winner on his debut despite bringing poor form into the tournament, further testament to his current and future greatness in the game, but he would probably have preferred to face his peer Jannik Sinner of the two as he builds back confidence on court.
All four of their previous encounters have seen sets go both ways, with only a four-set win for Djokovic at Roland-Garros this summer not requiring a decider. Given the Serb’s prowess in these conditions this season, and his vast experience in this tournament, backing Djokovic to win at least a set looks the sensible way to lean here. Otherwise, consider taking the match to see three sets.
BETTING TIP: NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO WIN A SET
