The highly anticipated clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz takes centre stage on Tuesday at the Australian Open, marking their eighth meeting. This will be the first time they face off in Melbourne, with a spot in the semifinals on the line. Both players have plenty at stake: Alcaraz is chasing history as the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. While his opponent Djokovic is looking for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
As we gear up for this blockbuster encounter, let’s revisit their previous meetings and the incredible rivalry they’ve built.
1. 2022 Madrid Open SF: Alcaraz Wins 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5)
Their first meeting was nothing short of spectacular. On home soil in Madrid, Alcaraz stunned Djokovic in an epic semifinal that lasted over three hours. A day after defeating Rafael Nadal, the young Spaniard rallied from a set down to secure his first win over the Serbian, going on to claim his maiden Madrid title.
2. 2023 Roland Garros SF: Djokovic Wins 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
It took over a year for their second clash, this time on the clay of Roland Garros. Both players entered the semifinal in top form, with Alcaraz now a world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion. After two tightly contested sets, Djokovic’s physical dominance emerged, allowing him to win comfortably in four sets and eventually claim the French Open title.
3. 2023 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz Wins 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
In one of the most memorable Wimbledon finals, Alcaraz ended Djokovic’s 34-match win streak at the All-England Club. Despite a slow start, the Spaniard saved a set point to win the second set in a tiebreak and carried the momentum to clinch his first Wimbledon title in five sets, cementing his status as a future legend.
4. 2023 Cincinnati Open Final: Djokovic Wins 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4)
The rivalry hit new heights in Cincinnati, where Djokovic avenged his Wimbledon loss in an extraordinary final. Alcaraz held championship point but couldn’t close it out, as Djokovic’s resilience shone through in back-to-back tiebreak victories during one of the greatest ATP tour finals.
5. 2023 ATP Finals SF: Djokovic Wins 6-3, 6-2
Djokovic delivered a commanding performance at the ATP Finals, using his experience in indoor conditions to stifle Alcaraz. The Serbian conceded just five games, advancing to yet another year-end championship final.
6. 2024 Wimbledon Final: Alcaraz Wins 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4)
One year after their Wimbledon classic, Alcaraz and Djokovic met again in the final. This time, Alcaraz dominated from the outset, capitalising on Djokovic’s struggles after a recent meniscus injury. The Spaniard claimed a straightforward victory to secure his fourth Grand Slam title.
7. 2024 Olympic Final: Djokovic Wins 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
In a high-stakes Olympic final, Djokovic turned the tables on Alcaraz to win his first Olympic gold medal. The match was a masterclass in precision and endurance, with Djokovic prevailing in two intense tiebreaks, finally adding the elusive gold to his legendary career.
What’s at Stake in Melbourne?
As Djokovic and Alcaraz prepare for their first Australian Open meeting, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Djokovic seeks to extend his Grand Slam record and tighten his grip on history, while Alcaraz eyes another milestone in his young but already illustrious career.
