In 2024, tennis has found an unofficial headquarters in Paris, a city where the sport’s highest stakes are on full display more than ever. Paris is typically a focal point in May for Roland Garros, but this year, it’s been a unique spectacle, hosting not only the French Open and the Paris Masters but also the tennis event for the Summer Olympics. As a result, Paris has become a proving ground for elite players, with every tournament there representing a coveted opportunity. Yet, for all its history and prestige, achieving victory in both Roland Garros and the Paris Masters in a single year has proven to be exceptionally rare. Only three players—Ilie Năstase, Andre Agassi, and Novak Djokovic—have managed to claim both trophies in the same season. Now, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, will aim to join this elite group, seeking to establish himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
### Ilie Năstase: Setting the Standard in 1973
Ilie Năstase was the first to accomplish this formidable achievement in 1973, a year that cemented his legacy in tennis history. Known for his charismatic personality and dynamic play, Năstase’s performance at Roland Garros that year was outstanding. He swept through the tournament and ultimately defeated Nikola Pilić in the final to secure his first and only French Open title. But Năstase’s Paris success didn’t stop there. Later that year, he entered the Paris Masters—held indoors on a different surface, which often poses a challenge for clay-court specialists—and showcased his adaptability and skill. In a gripping five-set final, Năstase edged out Stan Smith, proving he could perform at the highest level across surfaces. His double victory in 1973 set a high standard for tennis, illustrating the extraordinary level of consistency and resilience required to win in Paris twice in a year. It would be over two decades before another player would follow in his footsteps.
### Andre Agassi: Triumph at the Turn of the Millennium
Fast forward to 1999, when Andre Agassi became the second player to capture both the Roland Garros and Paris Masters titles in a single season. Agassi’s journey in 1999 was notable for his exceptional comeback in the French Open final, where he faced Andrei Medvedev. The Ukrainian had taken a commanding two-set lead, but Agassi fought back, eventually winning the match in five sets to claim his first and only Roland Garros title. This win completed Agassi’s career Grand Slam, making him only the fifth man in history to achieve that milestone.
Later that year, Agassi returned to Paris, this time competing on the faster indoor courts of the Paris Masters. Facing the young Russian Marat Safin in the final, Agassi’s experience and tenacity carried him to victory once again, giving him his first Paris Masters title. In doing so, he ended the millennium on a high note and solidified his legacy as one of tennis’ true greats. His achievement resonated worldwide, marking Agassi not just as a talented player but as a determined competitor who could conquer any surface or opponent when it mattered most.
### Novak Djokovic: A Modern Master of Paris
Novak Djokovic, however, would redefine the boundaries of success in Paris, becoming the only player to achieve this rare double not once but twice. The Serbian superstar first completed the Parisian double in 2021, starting with a dramatic comeback against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French Open final. Down two sets, Djokovic mounted an extraordinary rally, ultimately capturing his second Roland Garros title. Later that season, he continued his Paris success by winning the Paris Masters, defeating Daniil Medvedev on the fast indoor courts at Bercy. His ability to transition from clay to hard courts with such ease set a new standard for versatility in the sport.
But Djokovic wasn’t done. In 2023, he repeated his double feat, further cementing his reputation as a modern master of Paris. This time, he defeated Casper Ruud in the French Open final with a near-flawless performance and then went on to capture the Paris Masters title against Grigor Dimitrov. With this second double victory, Djokovic distanced himself from all others in the race for Parisian supremacy, adding another remarkable chapter to his storied career.
### Carlos Alcaraz’s Chance to Join an Exclusive Club
In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz stands on the cusp of joining this exclusive club. At just 21 years old, Alcaraz has already proven himself on the biggest stages, capturing his first Roland Garros title earlier in the year. Known for his relentless energy, powerful groundstrokes, and tactical intelligence, Alcaraz has emerged as one of the most promising talents in modern tennis. His style blends elements of clay-court mastery with a readiness to take risks and adapt to different surfaces, attributes that could serve him well as he seeks to conquer both the French Open and the Paris Masters in a single year.
However, the journey will not be easy. The Paris Masters, held indoors and on a much faster surface than Roland Garros, poses a significant challenge for players used to the slower pace of clay. But if Alcaraz can bring the same intensity and adaptability he showed on the clay courts of Roland Garros, he has a real shot at making history. Winning both titles in a year, particularly in an Olympic season when the world’s attention is focused on Paris, would elevate Alcaraz’s young career to new heights and solidify his standing as one of the most promising players of his generation.
### What This Feat Would Mean for Tennis
Should Alcaraz succeed, he would not only join Nastase, Agassi, and Djokovic in an elite group of players but would also signal a new era in men’s tennis. With the recent retirements of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s ongoing injury battles, the sport has been looking for a new ambassador capable of carrying the torch. Alcaraz’s potential Parisian double would place him firmly in that role, inspiring young players worldwide and bringing fresh energy to the tour. It would also confirm his ability to dominate across surfaces and adapt to different challenges, qualities that have marked all the greats.
For now, Alcaraz’s focus is on the upcoming Paris Masters, where he will face a competitive field of the world’s best players. If he can lift the trophy at Bercy, he will join a select few in the annals of tennis history, proving that he has not only the skill but also the drive to achieve greatness. The eyes of the tennis world will be on Paris as this young champion strives to turn his potential into a legacy.