Carlos Alcaraz confirms a blockbuster pre-season clash with Novak Djokovic in Riyadh as players gear up for 2024

Rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face each other at an exhibition match taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 27th, 2023.

Carlos Alcaraz confirms a blockbuster pre-season clash with Novak Djokovic in Riyadh as players gear up for 2024

(L-R)Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz during a practice session together. (credits: tennis.com)

The top two players in male tennis this year, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, have taken the level of tennis to a different level. Their rivalry this season has been simply unparalleled and a lot different from the rest of the world, and the tennis fans seem to enjoy it more than anything. 

Having faced each other four times this year, it was confirmed by the Spaniard in a post on Twitter that they would be facing each other again before the year ends. 

Heading to Riyadh on December 27 for my match against @DjokerNole! ❤️ ? RiyadhSeason .
Alcaraz posted on Twitter,
YouTube video

This clash will mark the pre-season clash between the World No. 1 and 2 as they prepare themselves for the next season. This exhibition match will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 27th, 2023 on behalf of the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, a festival organized by the country’s General Entertainment Authority.

FS Video

Despite the match being marked as an exhibition game, the stars will be adamant about triumphing over one another, trying to build on much-needed confidence ahead of the Australian Open, which kicks off next month. 

This match will allow both Djokovic and Alcaraz to test their skills and fitness. With Alcaraz’s next stop set to be at the Australian Open, the Serbian will join his country for the United Cup at the start of next year. 

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic over the years

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have produced one of the most scintillating and mouth-watering clashes at the helm of tennis. With both stars faring off against one another for a total of five times, Djokovic has edged over the Spaniard head-to-head, beating him on three encounters while Alcaraz beat him twice. 

However, Alcaraz made quite a name for himself after shaking off the Serbian in this year’s Wimbledon, ending Nole’s four-year reign on the grass courts of England.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz after their match. (credits: Flashscore)

The first meeting happened at the semi-finals of the Madrid Open last year, with Alcaraz getting the better of Nole, but soon, in the next meeting at the semis of the Roland Garros this year, Djokovic took his revenge. 

After losing the Wimbledon final, Nole announced his return by beating Alcaraz in the finals of the Cincinnati Masters. And last month, they faced off again in the semis of the ATP Finals, with Djokovic picking up an easy straight-sets victory. 

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