In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic clashed twice in high-stakes finals, and both matchups proved to be pivotal moments in their ongoing rivalry, each with significant titles on the line.
The first showdown took place at Wimbledon, where the two players met in the final for the second consecutive year. After Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final in 2023, the Serbian came into this match with a slight edge in their head-to-head, having won both their meetings in Cincinnati and at the Nitto ATP Finals earlier in the year. Fans had to wait until July for the next chapter of this rivalry, but when it came, it was Alcaraz who struck back in commanding style.
Despite Djokovic being a two-time defending champion at SW19 and entering the match just weeks after knee surgery, Alcaraz played a near-perfect final. The Spaniard was clinical on break points, converting five of the 14 opportunities he created. His 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) victory, which secured his fourth Grand Slam title, was an impressive demonstration of his power and precision on grass.
The only moment of tension for Alcaraz came when he lost three championship points at 5-4, 40/0 in the third set. Djokovic, renowned for his ability to fight back from seemingly impossible situations, broke Alcaraz’s serve in the next game, setting up a nerve-wracking moment. However, Alcaraz remained composed and sealed the victory in the tiebreaker, much to his relief.
Reflecting on the win, Alcaraz admitted it was a tense moment, but he stayed positive, knowing Djokovic’s reputation for making comebacks. “I tried to stay calm. I tried to stay positive… I’m really glad that at the end I could find the solution,” said Alcaraz. For Djokovic, it was a tough loss, and while he admitted that his level of play in the first two sets was subpar, he acknowledged Alcaraz’s superiority in the match. “Credit to Carlos for playing some complete tennis,” said Djokovic. “He was an absolutely deserved winner today.”
The second meeting came at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Djokovic was aiming for the one major title that had eluded him: Olympic gold. At the age of 37, Djokovic’s chances seemed slim after a season disrupted by injuries, during which he had been outperformed by younger rivals, including Alcaraz at Wimbledon. Yet, in typical Djokovic fashion, the Serbian found a way to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
After a dominant run to the final, where he defeated Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic faced Alcaraz in the gold medal match. This time, it was the Serbian who turned the tables on his rival. In a grueling 94-minute first set, Djokovic saved all eight break points he faced and capitalized on the few chances he had to win the set in a tiebreak. The second set was equally intense, with Djokovic coming through in another tiebreak to win 7-6(3), 7-6(2) and secure the long-awaited Olympic gold.
Djokovic’s victory in Paris was a testament to his resilience and experience, especially after being thoroughly outplayed by Alcaraz just weeks earlier at Wimbledon. Djokovic, visibly emotional after the win, expressed disbelief at his achievement, stating, “I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold at age 37. I finally did it.”
Alcaraz, despite his disappointment, recognized the magnitude of the moment and congratulated Djokovic. “It is painful to lose the way that I lost this match,” said the 21-year-old. “I had my opportunities, but Novak played great and in the difficult moments, he increased his level.”
These two monumental finals not only showcased the growing rivalry between Alcaraz and Djokovic but also underscored the level of determination and mental strength required to win at the highest level of tennis. Looking ahead to 2025, Alcaraz will look to level the head-to-head at 4-4, but Djokovic’s Olympic triumph will remain a key highlight of his remarkable career.
