Just yesterday, former American tennis star John Isner threw his support behind Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open preparations, boldly predicting the young Spaniard will capture two of the upcoming clay-court titles in Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. This comes as the 21-year-old Alcaraz aims for a historic third consecutive Barcelona Open crown, having already begun his clay season with a Masters 1000 victory in Monte Carlo. Despite a shaky start in Barcelona, he steadied himself and now faces clay-court specialist Laslo Djere in the round of 16. Can Alcaraz live up to Isner’s prediction and continue his quest for a third Barcelona title?

Carlos Alcaraz vs Laslo Djere: Preview

Before Barcelona Open, Carlos Alcaraz had already played six tournaments this season and won two out of them (Rotterdam, Monte Carlo). He defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters by 3-6,6-1,6-0.

But he was nowhere near his best in the opening round of the 2025 Barcelona Open. The two-time champion came back from a breakdown in the second set to defeat America’s Ethan Quinn in the previous match by 6-2,7-6(6).

Alcaraz couldn’t take part in this tournament last year due to an injury, but he’s now happy to get a winning start on his home soil. “Last year it was very painful not to be here, so I am very happy to be able to come back and play here again, and more so to win.”

On the other hand, the 29-year-old Serbian, Laslo Djere’s best result of this season was winning the title in Santiago, where he outshone Argentina’s Sebastian Baez by 6- 4, 3-6,7-5. Apart from that, Djere also reached the SF at the Argentina Open this year.

However, he struggled a bit during the start of the European clay court swing, losing in the first round in Marrakech, and then he also failed to qualify for the main draw in Monte Carlo. On a rather positive note, Djere is currently on a three-match winning streak in Barcelona. He defeated the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech by 6(2)-7,6-1,6-2 in the R32. 

Alcaraz vs Djere: Head-to-Head

Carlos Alcaraz has faced Laslo Djere only once in his career so far. The Serb managed to win a set that time, but Alcaraz had the last laugh. So, currently, their H2H record is 1-0 in favor of the Spaniard.

• 2023 Buenos Aires R16: Alcaraz, 6-2,4-6,6-2.

Prediction: Alcaraz will win this match in straight sets

Talking about their respective previous match in Barcelona, Djere showcased his finest tennis in the second and third sets against Rinderknech. In contrast, Alcaraz was noticeably below his peak form in his opening match against Quinn. Their H2H tells a different story altogether.

Although the Serbian managed to throw up a strong challenge against the Spaniard last time, this time I’m expecting in-form Carlitos to wrap up the match pretty swiftly. How?

Carlos Alcaraz has a phenomenal record on clay courts with an 83% win rate on this surface. He has 9 titles on clay (including two in Barcelona). Currently, he has a win-loss record of 22-5 this season and 6-0 on clay. Like Alcaraz, clay has been the best surface for Laslo Djere. He has reached 5 finals on the surface, winning three titles (including the one in Santiago this year). He has an overall win-loss record of 17-6 this season, with 14-3 on clay.

Fun fact: The 2024 French Open champion has already managed to dethrone Jannik Sinner in the ATP Race. 

Laslo Djere plays a structured, consistent clay-court game with heavy topspin and long rallies. He is a solid baseliner and has a strong forehand. The slower surface allows him more time for his shots, and his movement on clay is crisp and natural. Djere is more ‘like a fish in the water’ when it comes to clay courts! And Alcaraz?

Alcaraz is known for his aggressive, baseline-oriented style of play, characterized by powerful, spin-heavy groundstrokes, particularly on the forehand, and a versatile drop shot. He is also known for his exceptional athleticism, quick footwork, and unwavering defensive capabilities. Alcaraz loves to build points with his forehand, using it to attack an opponent’s backhand and then pounce on any subpar shot he can get.

Considering all these and the form he has been in the last few tournaments, I don’t think Carlitos will allow Djere to win even a set this time.