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 Head2Headvert rivalry between the game’s two finest gamers — a rivalry that blossomed in 2023 with 4 Lexus ATP Head2Headvert showdowns. ATPTour.com appears again at these memorable matches right here.
[SWEEPSTAKES]
2023 Roland Garros SF, Djokovic d. Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
There was numerous 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 yr 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. Both of the opening units completed in dramatic style, with break factors coming and going for each males down the stretch — 15 mixed throughout the primary two units.
But 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 tension of the match,” Alcaraz stated. “I began the match actually nervous. The pressure of the primary set, the second set, it was actually an intense two units, as nicely.
Really good rallies, robust rallies, drop photographs, sprints, rallies. It’s a mixture of numerous issues. But the principle factor, it was the stress that I had all the 2 first units.”
“First and foremost I’ve to say robust luck for Carlos,” Djokovic stated. “Obviously at this degree the very last thing you need is cramp and bodily issues on the late phases of a Grand Slam. So I really feel for him, I really feel sorry. I hope he can get well and he can come again very quickly.”
Photo: Peter Staples/ATP Tour
2023 Wimbledon F, Alcaraz d. Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
The odds have been stacked towards the 20-year-old Alcaraz main into the Wimbledon remaining. 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 towards Djokovic at Roland Garros. Would the identical factor occur on Centre Court?
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 sport 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 stated. “Of course it’s nice to win, however even when I had misplaced, I’d be actually pleased with myself with this superb run. Making historical past on this stunning event, taking part in a remaining towards a legend of our sport.
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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 remaining, some questioned 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 remaining. Alcaraz led by a set and a break and appeared poised for an additional large win towards his chief rival. But the 36-year-old relied on his champion’s spirit to claw his method again into the match.
Djokovic saved championship level within the second-set tie-break and battled by means of a tense three hours and 49 minutes to triumph in probably the greatest matches in latest reminiscence. The match was the longest best-of-three remaining in ATP Tour historical past (since 1990).
“Just general, one of many hardest and most fun matches I used to be ever a part of,” said Djokovic, who ripped off his shirt in 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’ sport 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 grow to be champion. In their fourth assembly of the yr, 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 means of to the semis, Djokovic introduced a brand new mentality into the semi-final. Eager to take the initiative towards Alcaraz, the Serbian’s aggressive sport handcuffed his opponent as he dominated the early phases of the match.
Alcaraz grew into the match within the second set and, after successful a number of all-action rallies together with his supreme athleticism, he created a 15/40 opening for an opportunity to degree the second set at 3-3. Instead, Djokovic buckled down and served his method out of bother. The World No. 1 didn’t lose one other sport as he closed out the assertion win.
“I approached the match with the precise angle, the precise mentality, and I knew from the very first level it was going to be vastly intense,” Djokovic said. “He had break factors straight away, 15/40 within the first sport. That’s Carlos. He all the time brings out his finest in these sorts of matches and begins with numerous prime quality tennis and depth. You’ve acquired to match that, attempt to climate the storm, and I did that.”
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