Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the tennis world at just 21 years old. The young Spaniard, who quickly ascended to stardom, has shouldered immense expectations and consistently delivered breathtaking performances that have captivated fans across the globe. With a combination of skill, power, and flair, Alcaraz’s accomplishments this season have been remarkable, even if they don’t tell the whole story of his journey and impact on the sport.
In a year that will be remembered fondly by his supporters, Alcaraz made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season. This feat highlighted his dominance on multiple surfaces and showcased his ability to handle the immense pressure that comes with Grand Slam competition. His performances through the summer were nearly flawless, making him an unstoppable force on the ATP Tour. However, his quest for the prestigious Olympic gold medal in Paris ultimately fell short against a resurgent Novak Djokovic, who turned in a masterclass performance in the final on the iconic Philippe Chatrier Court.
For Djokovic, the Olympic gold had been a long-cherished goal, and he delivered a brilliant display to claim it. Alcaraz played admirably but struggled more with the weight of the moment and the pressure, ultimately conceding to the Serbian veteran. While the setback was disappointing, it underscored the demanding mental and physical toll of competing at the highest levels of the sport. Despite his brilliance, Alcaraz’s form in the Masters 1000 tournaments in 2024 was less consistent, with a win percentage of 75%. This slight dip in performance during some of these events has contributed to his current ATP ranking of world No. 3, even with two Grand Slam titles to his name this year.
To reclaim a higher spot in the rankings, Alcaraz faces a critical challenge at the ATP Finals. He needs a strong showing to overtake Alexander Zverev in the year-end standings. Zverev, who has enjoyed an exceptionally consistent season and claimed victories at the Masters 1000 events in Rome and Paris-Bercy, currently holds the No. 2 spot. If Zverev reaches the final in Turin, Alcaraz’s chances of surpassing him will diminish considerably, underscoring the stakes for both players as they vie for a strong finish to the season.
The debate around the rankings and their fairness has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Former American tennis star John Isner recently weighed in on the issue during an episode of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, defending Zverev’s position in the rankings despite Alcaraz’s Grand Slam triumphs. “The answer is no,” Isner remarked when asked if Alcaraz should be higher than Zverev. “We all know how good Sascha is at these Masters 1000s; he’s won seven of them now, including Paris. He’s been so consistent at that level. But Alcaraz won two Slams—if he finishes third in the world, he’ll be fine with that, not annoyed at all.” He added that Zverev’s impressive consistency in the Masters 1000 tournaments has made him deserving of the No. 2 ranking, even if he lacks a Slam title this season.
Despite the rankings debate, bookmakers still favor Alcaraz as a strong contender for the Nitto ATP Finals, positioning him as the second favorite behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Spaniard will kick off his campaign in Turin with a highly anticipated clash against Casper Ruud, while Zverev faces a tough test against Andrey Rublev.
Zverev himself spoke candidly about the challenges of competing against top talents like Alcaraz and Sinner, acknowledging their aggressive play and rapid rise. “It’s great, but tough to face them. When they’re in an attacking position, 90% of the time, the point is over, whether it’s a winner or an error. That’s how hard they hit the ball,” Zverev noted. He admitted that adapting to their aggressive style is a focus of his ongoing improvement.
As the season winds down, Alcaraz and Sinner will conclude their year at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, with Spain and Italy positioned as leading contenders. In contrast, Zverev has opted to end his season early and forgo representing Germany in Malaga, choosing to prepare for the United Cup and the 2025 Australian Open. This strategic decision underscores his intent to prioritize rest and readiness for the new season.
Meanwhile, looking ahead to Melbourne, Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev, and Djokovic will be the primary contenders for the Australian Open title. Daniil Medvedev, a finalist this year, will also seek to regain his top form after a challenging period. For now, though, all eyes are on Turin, where Alcaraz will aim to cap off a historic year with another memorable triumph, further solidifying his legacy as a generational talent in the making.