Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic meet in the semifinals of the US Open in what will be their ninth meeting, the second in 2025. Their head-to-heads began in 2022 at the Mutua Madrid Open. The balance, to date, is in favor of the Serb with five victories. In addition, the Spaniard’s victories have never been on hard courts, so he would break new ground if he wins at Arthur Ashe Stadium
Carlos Alcaraz was crowned winner of the Mutua Madrid Open in 2022. Before beating Alexander Zverev in the final, he faced Novak Djokovic in the previous match, just after beating Rafa Nadal for the first time. Carlitos also made his debut with a victory over Nole 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5) in three hours and 35 minutes. He became the youngest player to reach the final of the Mutua
Alcaraz, bandaged on his right ankle and with a kinesiotape above it that protruded from his leg due to the fall he suffered against Nadal, won a tight match that was decided in the tie-break. “I know I played a really good match,” said Alcaraz
Roland Garros 2023. Semifinals. Djokovic – Alcaraz: 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
The clay of Roland Garros hosted the first duel between Alcaraz and Djokovic in a Grand Slam. The Spanish tennis player overcame the loss of the first set but at the end of the second he felt pain in his right leg and hand. With the score at 1-1 in the third set, he had to call for the tournament physiotherapist and that meant the automatic loss of the next service game. He was cramping in his right hand and quadriceps. “I’m screwed, I can’t, I can’t,” he was heard to say
Even so, he held on to the court, but the rest of the match was a walkover for Djokovic. “I told him at the net. He knows how young he is. He has plenty of time ahead of him, so I’m sure he’ll win this tournament many times,” said the Serb. He was not wrong.
Wimbledon 2023. Final. Alcaraz – Djokovic: 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
A month later, Alcaraz and Djokovic met again, this time in the Wimbledon final. Novak arrived as the heavy favourite with his seven Wimbledon titles, including the last four, while Alcaraz had only played two tournaments on grass. The 6-1 scoreline in the first set seemed to confirm Djokovic’s power, but the Spaniard reacted. The clash was a rollercoaster of emotions. There was even a game that lasted 26 minutes. In the end, Alcaraz became the third youngest player in the Open Era to be crowned at the cathedral after four hours and 42 minutes.
“It’s a dream come true for me. It’s great to win, but even if I had lost, I would be very proud of myself for this incredible streak, for making history in this beautiful tournament and playing a final against a legend of our sport,” said Alcaraz
Cincinnati 2023 Final. Djokovic – Alcaraz: 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6 (4)
Cincinnati hosted the first hard-court duel between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with the title at stake. Alcaraz took the first set and broke in the second. With 4-3 and serve, victory seemed to be within reach, but Novak fought back. The Serb saved a match point in the tie-break of the second set. The third was also won in the tiebreak to claim victory in 3 hours and 49 minutes. It was the longest final in Ohio history and the longest three-set final since 1990.
“It was one of the toughest and most exciting matches I’ve ever been a part of and this is the kind of moments and matches that I continue to work day in, day out for,” Djokovic said.
ATP Finals 2023. Semifinals. Djokovic – Alcaraz: 6-3, 6-2
The semi-finals of the 2023 ATP Finals saw the least close encounter between Djokovic and Alcaraz to date. The Serb won in straight sets. In the most competitive game of the match, in the second set,Djokovic recovered after losing several rallies to save a 15-40 and go on to dominate at 4-2. He would not lose another game until victory.
“I came into the match with the right attitude, with the right mentality, knowing that from the first point it was going to be very intense,” Djokovic said. “Carlos brings out the best in himself in this kind of match and starts with great intensity at a very high level. You have to match it, weather the storm. I did it,” he added.
Wimbledon 2024. Final. Alcaraz vs Djokovic: 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4)
Wimbledon again. The final again. For the second year in a row, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were fighting for the title at the London tournament. The same protagonists, an identical outcome but a plot with a different script: Alcaraz dominated from start to finish and overpowered his rival in three sets in two hours and 30 minutes. He won his fourth Grand Slam title and became the sixth man to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double
The only moment of trouble came in the third set when Alcaraz suffered a break when he was 5-4 and 40-0 in the third set. The match went to a tie-break and there he sealed his victory. “It’s a dream for me to win this trophy. This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and the most beautiful trophy,” he said on court.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Final. Djokovic – Alcaraz: 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
And 21 days after Wimbledon, Alcaraz and Djokovic met in the final of the Paris Olympics. Both were aware that they were facing an unrepeatable match. Novak was looking for gold to give more luster to his record. He saved as many as eight break points in the first set, to win the first set in 94 minutes and in the tie-break.
“We played for almost three hours to complete two sets. It was an incredible battle, an incredible fight,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “When the last shot went over him, it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. I went out on court thinking I could win, but to do it is something different. He keeps responding, he demands me to always play at my best.”
Australian Open 2025: Djokovic beats Alcaraz in quarter-finals
The last duel between Alcaraz and Djokovic came at the last Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of this year. They met in the quarter-finals. Novak looked physically touched after a stretch to reach a ball. He required the assistance of the physio when he was 5-4 down in the first set.He went to the locker room to be treated for three minutes and returned with his thigh bandaged.
“How can it be,” Alcaraz said to himself as he accumulated unforced errors. With the crowd on his side, Djokovic took the victory. “Every set was very close. The crowd was excited. It seemed like we were in the final of a Grand Slam. I think we both gave everything on the court. I hope people saw that,” said Djokovic
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