Novak Djokovic defeat at ATP Finals made Carlos Alcaraz cry, latest one to hurt was Nicolas Jarry in Buenos Aires

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted recent defeats to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals and Nicolas Jarry in Buenos Aires have "hurt" him - with the former leaving the Spaniard in tears.

Alcaraz had an underwhelming performance as he lost to Djokovic in the semi finals of the season-ending event in Turin last November, which the Serb went on to win for a record seventh title, overtaking Roger Federer. Speaking to Marca about losses that have made him cry, he said: I'm not sure, but I would say after losing in the semi finals of the ATP Finals in Turin against Djokovic."

After a blistering two years that saw him win his first Grand Slam titles, the US Open and Wimbledon - where he beat Djokovic in the final on that occasion - the 20-year-old has won six of his eight matches so far in 2024. He recently competed in the Argentina Open, but lost to Nicolas Jarry in the semi final, another that left a sour taste.

"There have been several defeats that have hurt me, like those of Zverev (in the round robin stage of the ATP Finals) and Djokovic (in the semi final) and the last one of Jarry in Buenos Aires." Alcaraz suffered an injury scare after he was forced to withdraw from the Rio Open, but says he should be fit to defend his title at Indian Wells, which starts on 6 March.

The numbers one and two in the world are only separated by one match in the head to head record, with Djokovic winning three of the five matches against his current rival. All meetings have come in prestigious events, whether it be Grand Slams, ATP 1000 or the ATP Finals. Alcaraz took the first in his native Spain at the Madrid Open in 2022. They traded blows last year, with the Serb dispatching of the young star in the semi final at Roland Garros on his way to capturing a record 23th Grand Slam.

The rivalry blossomed last summer at Wimbledon as the pair played their part in a classic, with Alcaraz emerging victorious on that occasion. Djokovic had the last laugh for 2023 though, with wins in the final of the Cincinnati Masters and the semi final of the aforementioned ATP Finals. The saga of this new-found rivalry is sure to continue.