When Carlos Alcaraz broke onto the scene, Novak Djokovic was already one of many biggest gamers in historical past. As a lot because the Spaniard respects the Serbian, he has introduced a component of fearlessness to his matches with the longest-reigning World No. 1 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
That has helped develop a charming Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry between the game’s two finest gamers — a rivalry that blossomed in 2023 with 4 Lexus ATP Head2Head showdowns. ATPTour.com seems again at these memorable matches right here.
2023 Roland Garros SF, Djokovic d. Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
There was lots of anticipation forward of a blockbuster semi-final between Djokovic and Alcaraz in Paris, particularly after their first assembly, received by the Spaniard simply greater than a 12 months earlier.
That match greater than lived as much as the hype for the primary two units, with the rivals one-upping one another with shotmaking and defending of the very best high quality. Each of the opening units completed in dramatic trend, with break factors coming and going for each males down the stretch — 15 mixed throughout the primary two units.
However after a promising begin, what started as a titanic tussle fizzled out in favour of Djokovic. Alcaraz struggled with cramp, and was unable to play to his true degree after the second set.
“[It was because of] the stress of the match,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I began the match actually nervous. The stress of the primary set, the second set, it was actually an intense two units, as properly.
Actually good rallies, robust rallies, drop photographs, sprints, rallies. It is a mixture of lots of issues. However the principle factor, it was the stress that I had all the 2 first units.”
“In the beginning I’ve to say robust luck for Carlos,” Djokovic mentioned. “Clearly at this degree the very last thing you need is cramp and bodily issues on the late levels of a Grand Slam. So I really feel for him, I really feel sorry. I hope he can get better and he can come again very quickly.”
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz throughout their 2023 Roland Garros semi-final” />
Photograph: Peter Staples/ATP Tour
2023 Wimbledon F, Alcaraz d. Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
The chances have been stacked in opposition to the 20-year-old Alcaraz main into the Wimbledon closing. Djokovic had received seven titles on the occasion and carried momentum having claimed the primary two main trophies of the 2023 season. Alcaraz was taking part in simply the fourth grass-court occasion of his profession.
There have been additionally dents within the Spaniard’s armour. On a floor he had confirmed himself on, clay, Alcaraz allowed his nerves to get the perfect of him in opposition to Djokovic at Roland Garros. Would the identical factor occur on Centre Courtroom?
After a lopsided first set, the reply was a convincing “No”. Alcaraz confirmed not solely spectacular shotmaking, however a steely resolve to face up to the Serbian’s relentless onslaught.
Djokovic had set level for a 2-0 lead on return at 6/5 within the second-set tie-break, and later missed a swinging volley on break level early within the fifth set. Alcaraz broke within the ensuing recreation and twice held serve from behind — escaping a 15/30 gap at 3-2 and 0/15 when he closed out the match — to earn his his second main triumph.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” the Spaniard mentioned. “After all it’s nice to win, however even when I had misplaced, I might be actually pleased with myself with this wonderful run. Making historical past on this stunning event, taking part in a closing in opposition to a legend of our sport.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic” />
Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Photographs
2023 Western & Southern Open F, Djokovic d. Alcaraz 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4)
Djokovic was down and practically out in additional methods than one. After Alcaraz emerged victorious from their slugfest of a Wimbledon closing, some puzzled whether or not the ultimate of the grass-court main was an indication of the passing of the torch.
The Serbian did nothing to quieten these feedback early within the Cincinnati closing. Alcaraz led by a set and a break and appeared poised for one more massive win in opposition to his chief rival. However the 36-year-old relied on his champion’s spirit to claw his manner again into the match.
Djokovic saved championship level within the second-set tie-break and battled by way of a tense three hours and 49 minutes to triumph in probably the greatest matches in current reminiscence. The match was the longest best-of-three closing in ATP Tour historical past (since 1990).
“Simply total, one of many hardest and most fun matches I used to be ever a part of,” mentioned Djokovic, who ripped off his shirt within the celebrations. “These are the sorts of moments and matches that I proceed to work for day in day trip. I used to be by no means unsure that I can ship the ‘A’ recreation when it mattered probably the most and [I am] simply thrilled.”
Nitto ATP Finals SF, Djokovic d. Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2
Fittingly, the 2 most prolific champions of the 2023 season met within the knockout rounds on the ATP Finals, the place champions turn into champion. Of their fourth assembly of the 12 months, Djokovic scored an emphatic victory en path to his record-breaking seventh title on the season finale.
With new life in Turin after Jannik Sinner‘s group-stage win put him by way of to the semis, Djokovic introduced a brand new mentality into the semi-final. Desirous to take the initiative in opposition to Alcaraz, the Serbian’s aggressive recreation handcuffed his opponent as he dominated the early levels of the match.
Alcaraz grew into the match within the second set and, after profitable a number of all-action rallies along with his supreme athleticism, he created a 15/40 opening for an opportunity to degree the second set at 3-3. As an alternative, Djokovic buckled down and served his manner out of bother. The World No. 1 didn’t lose one other recreation as he closed out the assertion win.
“I approached the match with the proper angle, the proper mentality, and I knew from the very first level it was going to be significantly intense,” Djokovic mentioned. “He had break factors instantly, 15/40 within the first recreation. That’s Carlos. He all the time brings out his finest in these sorts of matches and begins with lots of top quality tennis and depth. You’ve acquired to match that, attempt to climate the storm, and I did that.”
