New York, USA – The tennis world is set for another blockbuster encounter as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz prepare to meet in the US Open semi-finals today, September 3, 2025. This highly anticipated match marks the ninth career meeting between the two titans, with Djokovic currently holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 5-3.
Their rivalry has quickly become one of the most compelling in modern tennis, marked by thrilling contests across all surfaces and at the sport’s biggest stages. As they ready for their first US Open clash, here’s a detailed look at their eight previous matches that have shaped this budding generational rivalry.
The Rivalry So Far: Djokovic Leads 5-3
The contrasting styles and undeniable talent of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have produced memorable battles since their first encounter in 2022. Djokovic, the seasoned veteran with a record-setting career, has often relied on his relentless consistency and mental fortitude. Alcaraz, the explosive young Spaniard, counters with aggressive all-court play, powerful groundstrokes, and a deceptive drop shot. Their eight previous matches offer a prelude to what promises to be another epic chapter in their story.
Match 1: 2022 Madrid Open Semi-final – Alcaraz Triumphs on Home Soil
Date: May 7, 2022
Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open, Semifinals
Surface: Clay
Winner: Carlos Alcaraz
Score: 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5)
Their inaugural meeting was a classic, with then-19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz announcing his arrival as a genuine contender by defeating the reigning World No. 1 and 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling three-set encounter. Played in front of a raucous home crowd, Alcaraz displayed incredible composure and shot-making to secure the victory after three hours and 35 minutes, making him the first player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Djokovic on consecutive days on clay.
Match 2: 2023 French Open Semi-final – Djokovic Advances as Alcaraz Cramps
Date: June 9, 2023
Tournament: Roland Garros, Semifinals
Surface: Clay
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Score: 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
Their first Grand Slam encounter was highly anticipated but ended in unfortunate circumstances. After two intense sets that saw them tied at one set apiece, Alcaraz began to suffer from severe cramping in the third set, significantly hampering his movement and ability to compete. Djokovic capitalized on his opponent’s physical distress, cruising through the final two sets to advance to the final and eventually win his record 23rd Grand Slam title.
Match 3: 2023 Wimbledon Final – Alcaraz Dethrones the King of Grass
Date: July 16, 2023
Tournament: Wimbledon Championships, Final
Surface: Grass
Winner: Carlos Alcaraz
Score: 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
In one of the most memorable Wimbledon finals in recent history, Carlos Alcaraz ended Novak Djokovic’s dominant run at the All England Club, denying him a fifth consecutive title and a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown. After a shaky first set, Alcaraz battled back, winning a crucial second-set tiebreak and then displaying fearless tennis to triumph in five sets. This victory marked Alcaraz’s second Grand Slam title and cemented his status as the new World No. 1.
Match 4: 2023 Cincinnati Masters Final – Djokovic Exacts Revenge in Epic Marathon
Date: August 20, 2023
Tournament: Western & Southern Open, Final (Cincinnati Masters)
Surface: Hard
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Score: 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4)
Just weeks after their Wimbledon epic, Djokovic and Alcaraz met again in the final of the Cincinnati Masters, producing another marathon match that lasted nearly four hours. Djokovic saved a championship point and battled through severe heat and humidity to win in a thrilling deciding set tiebreak, marking his 39th ATP Masters 1000 title and avenging his Wimbledon loss. This match is widely considered one of the best non-Grand Slam finals in recent memory.
Match 5: 2023 ATP Finals Semi-final – Djokovic Dominates in Turin
Date: November 18, 2023
Tournament: ATP Finals, Semifinals
Surface: Hard
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Score: 6-3, 6-2
In their final meeting of a captivating 2023 season, Novak Djokovic delivered a dominant performance against Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin. The Serbian maestro showcased his exceptional indoor hard court prowess, securing a straight-sets victory to reach the final of the year-end championship. This win highlighted Djokovic’s ability to peak at crucial moments, particularly in high-stakes environments.
Match 6: 2024 Australian Open Quarter-final – Djokovic Continues Grand Slam Supremacy
Date: January 21, 2025 (as per search result snippet dates, which might reflect data in 2025)
Tournament: Australian Open, Quarterfinals
Surface: Hard
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Score: 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
Their first encounter of the 2024 season came at the Australian Open, where Djokovic once again asserted his authority on a hard court at a Grand Slam. After dropping the opening set, Djokovic found his rhythm and controlled the match, defeating Alcaraz in four sets. This victory further solidified Djokovic’s impressive record at the Australian Open and his hard-court dominance over the young Spaniard.
Match 7: 2024 Paris Olympics Final – Djokovic Secures Elusive Gold
Date: August 4, 2024
Tournament: Olympic Tournament (Paris), Final
Surface: Clay
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Score: 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
Novak Djokovic claimed a highly coveted Olympic gold medal in singles, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a hard-fought final on the clay courts of Paris. This victory was particularly significant for Djokovic, who completed a career Golden Slam (winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal in singles) with this triumph. The match was a tight affair, decided by two tiebreaks, showcasing the intense rivalry even on a surface where Alcaraz is traditionally strong.
Match 8: 2024 Wimbledon Final – Alcaraz Reclaims Wimbledon Glory
Date: July 14, 2024
Tournament: Wimbledon Championships, Final
Surface: Grass
Winner: Carlos Alcaraz
Score: 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4)
Carlos Alcaraz once again proved his prowess on grass, defeating Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final for the second consecutive year. Alcaraz delivered a dominant performance, securing the championship in straight sets, a testament to his adaptability and rapid improvement on the surface. This victory marked another significant Grand Slam title for Alcaraz and further intensified their burgeoning rivalry on the sport’s biggest stages.
As Djokovic and Alcaraz prepare to face off in the US Open semi-finals, their past battles paint a picture of a rivalry defined by dramatic swings, incredible skill, and immense pressure. With Djokovic leading the head-to-head 5-3, their ninth encounter promises to be another thrilling chapter in what is fast becoming one of tennis’s most captivating rivalries.
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