READ MORE <\/strong> Novak Djokovic mocked Rafa Nadal and felt ‘energy shift’ as relationship soured[INSIGHT] <\/strong><\/p>\n There was understandable disappointment that Spain’s new poster boy for tennis had decided not to participate. But Djokovic took a more reasoned approach, accepting the rigours of a congested tennis schedule – in addition to Alcaraz’s new-found fame – can take its toll on the youngster.<\/p>\n \u201cI also haven\u2019t played the whole 20 years of my career for Serbia,” Djokovic told Davis Cup press, as quoted by The Tennis Letter. “It\u2019s normal seeing years where you play a lot of individual events where you feel tired, you feel a lot of things about your career. Also your private life… it\u2019s normal skipping a competition.<\/p>\n “I feel the need to protect and defend Carlos, and all players, because I know what it feels like. It\u2019s normal. Being 20 years old, he has a lot of time to represent his country.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n DON’T MISS <\/strong> Djokovic, who was beaten by Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set Wimbledon final back in July, exacted his revenge at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati in the warm-up tournament for the US Open with a 7-5, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (4) success.<\/p>\n “The truth is that I expected to play against Carlos here in Valencia,” Djokovic told reporters earlier this week. “He is a player who I respect a lot. Whenever I have faced him they have been very hard matches, he is an incredible person and player.<\/p>\n “First with Rafa, now with Alcaraz, Spain has a great tradition in tennis. But hey, I’m from Serbia and these days I’m going to do everything possible to beat Spain.”<\/p>\n Djokovic inspired Serbia to victory against Spain to qualify for the quarter-finals after overcoming Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in Valencia on Friday. They will next head to Malaga for the knockout rounds that take place in November.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/4963863.jpg?r=1694938820091\")
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Novak Djokovic’s Carlos Alcaraz disappointment in bid to make Spaniard pay[NEWS] <\/strong>
Nike slated for controversial Carlos Alcaraz post after Djokovic wins US Open[SOCIAL] <\/strong>
Novak Djokovic planning ‘bonus’ achievement after knocking Alcaraz down a peg[REACTION] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/4963880.jpg?r=1694938820142\")
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