Carlos Alcaraz: Top Five Matches in 2024

Carlos Alcaraz had a remarkable year in 2024, marked by two Grand Slam titles, a Masters 1000 victory, and his first Laver Cup title. He finished the season with an impressive 54-13 record. Although he ended up finishing outside the top two despite his achievements, his ability to peak on the biggest occasions showcased his skill and mental toughness. But which were his five best performances in a standout season.

Carlos Alcaraz’s Top Five Matches in 2024

5. Roland Garros Final vs. Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz claimed his first French Open title with a thrilling five-set victory over Alexander Zverev. The final was an emotional rollercoaster, with the 21-year-old starting strongly only Zverev to somehow find himself leading two sets to one. However, Alcaraz rallied with a dominant performance in the fourth and fifth sets to win 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2.

The victory cemented Alcaraz as the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces. Playing on the clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface he grew up mastering, Alcaraz’s precision and determination shone. He won 153 points to Zverev’s 139 and dominated in key moments, claiming 16 service games to Zverev’s 13. This win fulfilled a childhood dream of claiming the Roland Garros title that his countryman Rafael Nadal made his own for so many years.

4. Roland Garros Semifinal vs Jannik Sinner

In an epic clash with his rival Jannik Sinner only a few days earlier in Paris, Alcaraz edged a dramatic five-set battle in the semifinals of Roland Garros. The match was another chapter in their growing rivalry, with Alcaraz improving to a 5-4 lead in their head-to-head encounters after this win.  

After dropping the first set, Alcaraz bounced back to win 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3. The match was filled with breathtaking rallies and a number of momentum swings, with the four-time Grand Slam Champion displaying his trademark composure and stamina in the final two sets. He narrowly edged Sinner in total games won, 23 to 22, and crucially raised his level in the latter stages to outlast the Italian.  This win secured Alcaraz’s place in the final and further cemented his reputation as a clutch performer in high-stakes matches. 

3. Beijing Open Final vs Jannik Sinner 

Alcaraz and Sinner took their rivalry to new heights in the final of the Beijing Open. In a pulsating three-set thriller, the Spaniard defeated his great rival 6-7 6-4 7-6 to claim his 16th ATP Tour title.  

The match was a showcase of athleticism and shot-making brilliance, with both players producing incredible rallies. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreak, the Spaniard found his rhythm, using his powerful groundstrokes to wrest control in the second and third sets. He won 132 points to Sinner’s 120, edging out the Italian in a match that demonstrated why they are considered the future of men’s tennis.  

This victory once again underscored Alcaraz’s ability to handle pressure better than his great rival. He extended his winning streak against the World No.1 to three consecutive matches. This, amazingly, is the last loss of Sinner in 2024.

2. Indian Wells Final vs Daniil Medvedev 

Alcaraz successfully defended his Indian Wells title with a commanding 7-6(5) 6-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev. While the opening set was tightly contested, Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline play and ability to capitalize on break points made the difference in the second set.  

Alcaraz joined Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the players to defend the Indian Wells crown. His dominance was reflected in the scoreline and key statistics, as he won 75 percent of his first-serve points and 71 percent of his second-serve points, compared to Medvedev’s 63 and 50 percent, respectively.  This win was another milestone in the Spanish tennis player’s career, solidifying his status as one of the best hard-court players on the tour. 

1. Wimbledon Final vs Novak Djokovic  

Alcaraz retained his Wimbledon title with a stunning straight-sets victory over Djokovic in the final. In contrast to their five-set epic the previous year, Alcaraz dominated from the start, winning 6-2 6-2 7-6(4).  

Alcaraz’s powerful serve and relentless baseline play left Djokovic unable to mount a challenge. The Spaniard capitalized on Djokovic’s errors, converting five breakpoints while saving two of the three he faced. Despite a slight wobble when serving for the championship, the 21-year-old held his nerve to seal the win in a tiebreak.  

This victory saw Alcaraz claim his second consecutive Wimbledon title and made him the youngest player in history to win four Grand Slam titles. He is the only player to defeat Djokovic in multiple Wimbledon finals. This win also resulted in Alcaraz joining the likes of Federer and Djokovic to defend either a Grand Slam title or a Masters 1000 title on all three surfaces.