As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic has taken a moment to revisit one of the most thrilling matches of his storied career: his 2022 semi-final showdown against Carlos Alcaraz at the Caja Magica. The Serbian legend, now 37, described the electrifying encounter as a pivotal moment that showcased the rise of a new tennis superstar. The match, a grueling three-hour, 35-minute battle, saw the then-19-year-old Alcaraz edge out the world number one 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5), marking a historic victory that propelled the Spaniard to his first Madrid Open title. Djokovic’s reflections, shared ahead of his return to the tournament, highlight both his respect for Alcaraz and the enduring intensity of their rivalry.
The 2022 clash at the Caja Magica was a spectacle that captivated fans and signaled Alcaraz’s arrival as a generational talent. Coming off a quarter-final win over Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz faced a formidable Djokovic, who was seeking his fourth Madrid title. The match was a rollercoaster, with Djokovic seizing the first set in a tiebreak after fending off Alcaraz’s aggressive play. The young Spaniard, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, responded with relentless energy, breaking Djokovic in the second set to level the match. In the decisive third set, Alcaraz saved two match points and clinched victory with a forehand winner in the tiebreak, prompting an eruption from the Manolo Santana Stadium. “He held his nerves very well. For somebody of his age to play so maturely and courageously is impressive. He deserved to win,” Djokovic said at the time, a sentiment he echoed recently when reminiscing about the match.
Djokovic’s decision to revive memories of this defeat underscores his admiration for Alcaraz, now a four-time Grand Slam champion and world number three. “I had a lot of chances, and it was a fantastic match. Great battle,” Djokovic recalled, noting the match’s significance as their first head-to-head encounter. The Serbian, who holds a 5-3 edge in their rivalry, acknowledged Alcaraz’s unique blend of power and finesse, which produced 51 winners compared to his own 24 in that Madrid semi-final. The match, Djokovic said, was a testament to Alcaraz’s ability to thrive under pressure, especially in front of a passionate Spanish crowd chanting “si se puede.” “I love to watch him play… He’s fantastic for our sport, no doubt,” he added, a praise he first offered in 2022 after practicing with Alcaraz before the tournament.
The 2022 Madrid Open was a turning point for Alcaraz, who went on to defeat Alexander Zverev in the final, securing his second ATP Masters 1000 title. For Djokovic, the loss was a rare setback in a season where he faced challenges, including limited play due to his vaccination status. Yet, he walked away with optimism, stating, “I am definitely disappointed with not being able to use my chances, but I’m pleased with my game in general.” The match remains a landmark in their rivalry, which has since produced eight gripping encounters, including Alcaraz’s Wimbledon title wins in 2023 and 2024 and Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal victory over Alcaraz in 2024.
As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Madrid Open, where he is seeded fourth and faces a potential rematch with Alcaraz, who is seeded second, he sees the Caja Magica as a place of both challenge and opportunity. With three Madrid titles (2011, 2016, 2019) to his name, Djokovic is chasing his 100th career title, a milestone that would place him alongside Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors. Alcaraz, meanwhile, aims to reclaim the title he won in 2022 and 2023, leveraging his 29-2 clay-court record in Spain since 2022. “It’s his tournament, but I’ve played many times against him and I know what I have to do,” Alcaraz said recently, hinting at the tactical chess match that awaits if they meet again.
The tennis world eagerly anticipates whether the Caja Magica will host another chapter in this modern classic rivalry. For Djokovic, the 2022 loss to Alcaraz remains a cherished memory—not for the result, but for the fight and the emergence of a worthy rival who continues to push him to new heights.