World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that his dad likely recorded rival Novak Djokovic while he was training at Wimbledon ahead of a potential final clash.
Both Djokovic and Alcaraz, who've each made the semi-finals, trained on Monday at the practice courts at Aorangi Park. While access is restricted to members of the public, players can find themselves training alongside one another and view across. According to Serbian outlet b92, Alcaraz's father 'closely followed the events at Djokovic's training' and was even spotted 'recording everything that was happening' at one point.
"Probably it is true," the Spanish star told a press conference after beating Holger Rune in straight sets on Wednesday. "My father is a huge fan of tennis and he doesn't only watch my matches.
"I think he gets into the club at 10am and leaves at 11pm watching matches and practice and being able to watch Djokovic in real life it is probably true he was filming the sessions."
Asked whether the 'spygate' incident gives him an advantage, as he could end up playing against Djokovic in the men's singles final, the 20-year-old said: "I don't think so. I have a lot of videos from Djokovic on every platform. I think it's not an advantage for me."
Within the official rulebook, Alcaraz's camp have done nothing wrong, but Djokovic had earlier complained to media from his native Serbia about having to prepare in such open surroundings, wishing that he had more privacy.
"The circumstances are such that we don't have privacy during training, although sometimes I would like to have more privacy," the reigning Wimbledon champion, who's aiming to go level with Roger Federer by winning a record eighth title at SW19, bemoaned.
"The fact is, you are not completely relaxed in training. You know that your rivals are there, you know that everyone is looking over their shoulder at what is happening, what you are working on. Every shot is measured, evaluated and graded. That, through some analysis, affects the possible meeting with Alcaraz or anyone."
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In order to have the chance of facing Djokovic, however, Alcaraz must beat Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals after the Russian overcame Chris Eubanks in thrilling five-set clash. As for Djokovic, he's due to face Italian Jannik Sinner, who's only 21, in his semi.
The bullish Serbia said after beating Andrey Rublev in the quarters: "They want to get a scalp, they want to get a win. But it ain't happening."
Alacaraz, meanwhile, is at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to experiencing such a run. "Honestly it's amazing for me, a dream since I started playing tennis, making good results at Wimbledon, such a beautiful tournament," the Spaniard beamed.
"To be able to play a semi-final here… I think I'm playing at a great level, I didn't expect to play such a great level on this surface so for me, it's crazy. At the beginning I was really nervous playing a quarter-final and playing against Rune, someone the same age and playing at a great level. But once you get to a quarter-final there are no friends, you have to focus on yourself and I did great in that."
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