Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are the two most successful players of the 2020’s so far, winning 12 Grand Slam titles between them.
The pair have met twice on the ATP Tour in 2024, with the scores level at one apiece, having faced off in two of the biggest finals of the year.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics final to take gold this summer, less than a month after Alcaraz beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, to take home his second consecutive title on the grass.
Alcaraz does trail the historic head-to-head 4-3 against Djokovic, but each contest has been highly entertaining, as tennis’ next great rivalry continues to grow.
They are certainly two of the best players on tour, but Alcaraz may just have taken a page out of Djokovic’s book on his way to the top.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Novak Djokovic-esque diet change led to Grand Slam wins
After a blood test a few years ago, Alcaraz’s physio, Juanjo Moreno, convinced the Spaniard to adopt a gluten-free diet.
A diet, that excludes foods that contain gluten, such as pizza, pasta, and bread, has forced Alcaraz and his team to replace a number of key dishes, with gluten-free alternatives.
The diet change was followed by Grand Slam victories at both the French Open and at Wimbledon, clearly indicating that the move was for the better.
It was Djokovic however, who was the first big name to switch to a gluten-free diet.
The Serb made the diet switch back in 2018, thanks to advice from his nutritionist Igor Cetojevic.
Djokovic described the diet as an “X factor” that allowed his body to function optimally, in his book ‘Serve to Win’.
Could Carlos Alcaraz have a better career than Novak Djokovic?
Whilst Alcaraz replicates Djokovic’s diet, he would equally love to replicate his career.
The Serbian’s 24 Grand Slam titles is a daunting number to chase down but some believe that Alcaraz could be the man to do it.
Four times a Major champion at just 21 years old, Alcaraz has made a stunning start to his tennis career, becoming the youngest ATP world number one in the process.
In comparison, Djokovic had won just one Grand Slam title by the time he turned 22, winning the 2008 Australian Open.
| Novak Djokovic | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2007 – Lost US Open Final V Roger Federer | 2022 – Won US Open Final V Casper Ruud |
| 2008 – Won Australian Open Final V Jo-Wilfried Tsonga | 2023 – Won Wimbledon Final V Novak Djokovic |
| 2024 – Won French Open Final V Alexander Zverev | |
| 2024 – Won Wimbledon Final V Novak Djokovic |
It’s the longevity that the 37-year-old had on his side, however, winning 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles after his 30th birthday.
It remains to be seen whether Alcaraz can continue his form throughout his 20’s and into his 30’s as Djokovic was able to do.
But going by what we’ve seen from the young Spaniard so far in his career, you wouldn’t want to bet against him.
Djokovic has withdrawn from this year’s Paris Masters event whilst Alcaraz is expected to return to action in the French capital next week.
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