Carlos Alcaraz turns 21 in May and is already among the most successful active players, collecting two Majors and four Masters 1000 trophies. Led by the former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos is passionate about the game, constantly working on improvements and elevating his game to a higher level. Eager to chase notable titles, Alcaraz could not hide his emotions following a couple of tough losses against the rivals from the top. One came at last year’s ATP Finals, with Novak Djokovic beating him 6-3, 6-2 in the semi-final. Carlos cried after the match, feeling bad about his performance that could not match Novak’s level. Djokovic sealed the deal in under an hour and a half, reaching the ninth final at one of his favorite events.
Carlos Alcaraz, ATP Finals 2023© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
It was a battle between the world’s finest players, and the more experienced one left the young gun miles behind, mainly thanks to his incredible returns. Carlos served at 84%, but it brought him nothing, losing serve three times and finishing his first ATP Finals run in the semi-final. Novak avoided an early upset in the match’s first game and kept his serve intact, mounting the pressure on the other side. Alcaraz made a strong start, landing a backhand down the line winner in the opening game for two break points. Djokovic stayed calm, saving them and wrapping up the game with an ace. Carlos responded with a forehand winner in the second game and served well two games later to level the score at 2-2.
Carlos Alcaraz cried after losing to Novak Djokovic in Turin last year.
The fifth game saw two deuces before Novak held with two winners, moving 3-2 in front. They served well in games six and seven, and Djokovic fought strong on the return at 4-3. Alcaraz played a loose backhand, losing serve and pushing world no. 1 5-3 in front. Novak served for the set in game nine and held at love with an ace, closing the opener in 40 minutes and gathering a boost ahead of set number two. The Spaniard squandered game points in the third game and suffered a costly break that sent him closer to the exit door. Novak cemented the lead with a hold at 15 in game four and earned another chance on the return at 3-1.
Carlos Alcaraz, ATP FInals 2023© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Alcaraz saved it and brought the game home, remaining within one break deficit. Eager to stay competitive, Carlos painted a volley winner in the sixth game and earned two break chances. Novak erased them with winners and delivered more, rattling off four points and delivering a crucial hold that sent him 4-2 in front. Djokovic forced Alcaraz’s mistake in the seventh game and created two break chances. The young gun denied them but played a wayward forehand on the third, experiencing another break and falling 5-2 behind. Novak served for the win in game eight and held at 15, defeating his closest rival and setting the title clash against Jannik Sinner.
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