WATCH: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz share practice ahead of Madrid openers

While Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are yet to do battle for the first time on the ATP tour they have at least guaranteed play together as they took to the practice court ahead of their first Madrid Open matches. 

The world number one and the Barcelona Open champion are both seeded at the second clay Masters 1000 event of the season, meaning they receive a bye to the second round.

While Djokovic will take on Gael Monfils in his first 2022 Madrid Open tussle, Alcaraz will face Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia.

The two men can only meet in Madrid if they both reach the semi-finals, an occurrence that would likely require Alcaraz to defeat Rafael Nadal for the first timne come the quarters.

Fans eagerly anticipated a first meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz at last month’s Monte Carlo Masters after they were projected to face-off in the last eight there.

However, that dream was soon dashed as both men failed to win their opening match at the first clay Masters of the season.

Djokovic fell to eventual finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while Alcaraz lost out to fellow ATP Next Gen prospect Sebastian Korda.

Whereas Djokovic has plenty of pedigree in the Spanish capital, having claimed three titles there from three final appearances in 2011, 2016 and 2019, Alcaraz is looking to build a foundation at his home Masters event.

The 18-year-old debuted at the event in 2021, defeating French veteran Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-0 to land his first career win at Masters 1000 level.

He then face his idol Nadal, on his 18th birthday no less, losing to the five-time Madrid champion 6-1, 6-2.

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