Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have quickly built one of tennis’s most thrilling rivalries. Since their first electrifying clash in the 2022 Madrid semis, they’ve faced off in Grand Slam finals and epic matches. Their head-to-head stands at 5-3 in Djokovic’s favor after the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals, where Djokovic won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Despite fierce battles on court, a genuine friendship has grown off it. Alcaraz said, “We have a really good friendship off the court. We talk a lot in the lockers every time that we see each other around.” Djokovic returns the praise without missing a beat.

As the Madrid Open approached this year, Spanish fans got tough news. Alcaraz announced he’d have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open due to an adductor injury picked up during the Barcelona final. The 21-year-old, already a two-time Madrid champion, shared his disappointment: “I’m really disappointed that I’m not able to play here in Madrid. It is a place that I love playing in front of my people, in front of my family, my friends.”

Speaking to Arab News on April 26, Djokovic couldn’t help but show support for the young star. Asked about Alcaraz’s Madrid withdrawal, Djokovic was quick to note how young the Spaniard still is. Alcaraz turns 22 next week and is already a four-time major winner and an Olympics silver medalist. “For me personally, that level of dominant tennis and achievements came when I was 23, 24 years old and then after that,” he said.

Novak himself is currently having a hard time. Despite 24 Grand Slams and 99 singles titles, he’s struggled to clinch his highly awaited 25th Grand Slam and 100th title since 2024. His last title came at the ATP Finals in 2023, and he won his first gold medal last year at the Paris Olympics-against Carlos!

Another thing Novak points out: “So between, let’s say, 23 and 33 is when it was really happening. And now Carlos is still not 23.” And true to word, that’s something that’s worth noting. At 21, Carlos Alcaraz boasts four Grand Slam titles, a tally exceeding each of the “Big Three” at the same age.

Roger Federer had one (Wimbledon 2003), Rafael Nadal had three (French Open 2005, 2006, 2007), and Novak Djokovic also had one (Australian Open 2008) by the time they reached 21. Alcaraz’s early success puts him ahead of these legends at this stage of their careers. Novak said, “We have to remember that what he has done for his age is not also normal. I’m sure that we’ll see a lot of him on the big stage with trophies in the future in, whatever, 10 years, 15 years, as long as he’s playing.”

Since 2022, he’s racked up five titles, including the US Open, and stormed into 2023 with six more, highlighted by his first Wimbledon crown. Injuries and mental blocks slowed him in 2024, but he still grabbed two more Grand Slams-Wimbledon and his first Roland Garros title. With every trophy, the pressure to keep climbing only grew.

But as Novak Djokovic reminds everyone, Alcaraz is still young, and the Spaniard knows it too. In his Netflix docuseries, ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’, he reveals his secret to Wimbledon success: a trip to Ibiza to unwind. “I wanted to go there basically to just get wasted,” he admits after losing to Djokovic in the 2023 French Open semis. Overwhelmed and cramped, he needed a break.

His agent, Albert Molina, advised against it, but Alcaraz went anyway. Then he came back and won Queen’s and Wimbledon. “I’m not saying partying helped me win, but taking that time off was good for me,” he says.

After missing out on a third Barcelona title last month, he withdrew from the Madrid Open. With Roland Garros just around the corner, fans can only cross their fingers and hope the Spaniard comes back stronger. But as for overtaking the Big Three in his career, Carlos is clear on what his ultimate goal is.

Carlos chooses the biggest reward amidst greater glory in tennis

The Netflix docuseries offers a rare glimpse into the life of the 21-year-old tennis star. It captures not only his rise and Grand Slam triumphs but also the intense pressure that sometimes feels like a floodlight on every move. Fans and critics alike compare his graceful style to Federer’s finesse and his clay-court prowess to Nadal’s legacy. Meanwhile, his growing rivalry with Djokovic headlines this fresh chapter in men’s tennis.

Yet, Carlos stays grounded. “My dream is to be one of the greatest players in history. Yes, I want to sit at the same table as the Big 3. Am I in the mindset to do whatever it takes and face everything to achieve that?” He shares in the series. His words resonate: “From what I’ve experienced, I’d choose happiness over massive success. Because happiness is already a success.”

He’s voiced this mindset before. In an interview with GQ España, he said, “I’m not obsessed with being the best in the world. I was number one a few years ago, and I was happy. Now I’m number three, and I’m just as happy – enjoying the journey, the sport, and life.”

That joy might just fuel his game. With the French Open around the corner, all eyes are on Alcaraz as he looks to defend his 2024 title. Will he come back stronger on May 25? Share your thoughts below!