Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic Engage in Intense Monte-Carlo Practice Set

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are showing promising signs ahead of the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters after engaging in a high-intensity practice set that felt more like a real match than a warm-up.

As Top 8 seeds, both players received first-round byes and likely used the session to stay sharp before their official campaigns begin. This wasn’t the first time they practiced together ahead of a major event—earlier this year, they played a similarly competitive set before the Australian Open, which Djokovic narrowly won. He later defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of that Grand Slam.

This time in Monte-Carlo, they didn’t finish the set, but Djokovic led 5-4 when they called it off. The level of play was exceptional throughout, with both stars putting in full effort. Alcaraz had an early lead at 4-2, showing more consistency and fewer unforced errors than the 37-year-old Djokovic. His forehand, which has been shaky in recent tournaments, looked solid during the session.

Djokovic, however, raised his level toward the end, winning three straight games to edge ahead. Despite the intensity, both players stayed in good spirits, sharing smiles between rallies.

Although the session doesn’t guarantee how they’ll perform if they meet in the main draw, it reinforced why both are among the top contenders for the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters title. Strong practice form could be especially valuable considering their recent history at the event.

Alcaraz has never won a match at Monte-Carlo, falling early in 2022 and missing the last two editions due to injuries. He hopes to turn the page this year. Meanwhile, Djokovic, a two-time champion (2013, 2015), reached the semifinals in 2024—his best run at the tournament in a decade.

Alcaraz admitted to feeling the pressure in recent months, particularly with Jannik Sinner sidelined since February 9th. With Sinner expected to return at next month’s Italian Open, Alcaraz—currently World No. 3—is looking to close the gap alongside No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

To do that, the 21-year-old Spaniard has committed to playing the Monte-Carlo Masters, the 2025 Barcelona Open, and the 2025 Madrid Open, all key events before the Italian Open begins.

As the clay season picks up steam, this Djokovic-Alcaraz showdown—even in practice—was a thrilling preview of what fans hope to see in the coming weeks.

comment below 👇