Alcaraz comes from behind to defeat Djokovic in Riyadh exhibition match

RIYADH - Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to defeat Serbia's Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a season-opening exhibition match in Riyadh on Wednesday evening.

Djokovic and Alcaraz, the world number one and world number two in men's tennis singles, produced an excellent display that looked like a taster of highly interesting trophy battles to come next year.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Djokovic said Alcaraz would be a leader in world tennis in the next 10 to 15 years.

He also said he hoped he would have good matches against Alcaraz and another Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, in 2024.

Djokovic will start his competitive season at the United Cup, to be held from December 29 through January 7, and then head to Melbourne in a bid to win his 11th career Australian Open title.

The tournament will be held from January 15 through 28.