Novak Djokovic put on one of his most impressive physical and tactical performances to win a 24th Grand Slam title

Carlos Alcaraz has had a lot of firsts this season, including his first full season on tour and his first ATP title at Umag. Now, he'll appear on a Grand Slam show court for the first time, playing third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round of the US Open.

A win would also take the 18-year-old into the second week of a Slam for the first time, but for now he's just looking forward to the contest.

"I am very motivated by that match," he told Spanish press. "I would really like to play Stefanos on the biggest court at the US Open. It's a lot of extra experience.''

Though the occasion will be new, Alcaraz can bring some experience to the encounter, having also reached the third round of Roland Garros (as a qualifier).

"It was my first time playing the third round of a Grand Slam, and that affected me a little bit," said Alacaraz, who lost to Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets. "Surely the second time I'll be more prepared, and know more what I have to do and the way I have to play. The goal is to keep my level in the next round."

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Already a threat on clay, Alcaraz has acquitted himself well on hard courts.

Tsitsipas also recognizes his opponent's potential. Alcaraz is the youngest player to reach the third round of two Grand Slams during a season since current No. 1 Novak Djokovic did it as a teenager.

"He's been constantly improving, getting up in the rankings. I think he is someone that has a good game for all surfaces," said Tsitsipas. "I see him as a potential contender in the future for Grand Slam titles and other big events."

With his run, Alcaraz, ranked No. 55, has also secured another first—following the tournament, he will debut inside the Top 50 of the ATP rankings.

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