Alcaraz Matches Federer and Djokovic at 38 Finals Before 24
Carlos Alcaraz’s run to the final of the ATP Masters 1000 Paris has tied him with two of tennis’s greatest legends, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, in a key historical category. The 23-year-old Spaniard will contest his 38th ATP Tour final, a milestone that places him alongside the members of the ‘Big Three’ before reaching his 24th birthday. Punto de Break reported on the achievement, noting Alcaraz’s place on the all-time list for players with the most finals contested before turning 24.
The final opponent in Paris is Ben Shelton, with Alcaraz seeking to add a 29th title to his collection. His efficiency is a standout feature; of his 38 finals, he has won 28, a success rate that shows his rapid rise to the sport's elite echelon. Alcaraz will not turn 24 until May 5, 2027, leaving him time to climb further up the historical leaderboard, which is topped by Bjorn Borg’s record of 80 finals before the age of 24.
MAIDEN PARIS FINAL! 🇫🇷🤩 Carlos Alcaraz puts on a dominating performance to overcome Ruud (6-4, 6-4) and secure a spot in his first Paris final 👏@RolexPMasters | #RolexParisMasters | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/uLf4KFtJra
Alcaraz Surpasses ‘Big Three’ in Finals Percentage
While Alcaraz’s total number of finals is remarkable, Tennis365 highlighted a different metric where his performance is even more dominant when compared directly to his peers. According to the outlet, Alcaraz has reached the final of 37.9% of the tournaments he has played in his career so far. This percentage is the highest among the ‘Big Three’ at the same age and surpasses even that of his compatriot, Rafael Nadal, who reached 36.1% of his tournaments’ finals at 23.
The contrast with Federer and Djokovic is stark. Tennis365 reported that at 23 years old, Djokovic had reached the final in 24.8% of his tournaments, while Federer’s rate was just 20%.
A Look at the Historical Leaders
The list of players with the most ATP finals before the age of 24, according to the data cited by Punto de Break and Univers Tennis, includes Borg, Connors, Lendl, McEnroe, Wilander, Nadal, Becker, Sampras, Chang, Edberg, Djokovic, and Federer. Leading the way is Bjorn Borg with 80 finals, followed by Jimmy Connors at 69 and Ivan Lendl at 60. John McEnroe (57), Mats Wilander (53), and Rafael Nadal (51) round out the top five.
Alcaraz now shares 11th place on this list with Djokovic and Federer, each on 38 finals. Boris Becker is seventh with 48, Pete Sampras eighth with 46, and Michael Chang and Stefan Edberg are tied for ninth with 40. Nadal’s 51 finals in sixth place remains a benchmark for longevity, something Alcaraz will aim to emulate as he continues his career. His current pace suggests he has a strong chance of surpassing the 40-final mark held by Chang and Edberg, which would move him into the top 10 of this historical ranking.

The Path Forward for Alcaraz
Tennis365 noted that while Federer and Djokovic were largely associated with durability throughout their careers, Alcaraz has already faced sporadic injuries. The outlet pointed out that Nadal’s significant injury issues largely emerged later in his career after years of physical exertion, and Alcaraz’s ability to manage his body will be critical to his chances of challenging the most enduring records in the sport.
For now, the immediate focus is on the Paris final. A victory would be his 29th career title, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s most successful young players.
Alcaraz Compares to Borg, Federer and Djokovic
- Who has the most ATP finals before age 24?
- Bjorn Borg holds the record with 80 ATP finals contested before turning 24, according to historical data cited by Univers Tennis.
- How does Alcaraz’s finals percentage compare to Federer and Djokovic?
- At 23 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has reached 37.9% of his tournaments’ finals, significantly higher than Novak Djokovic’s 24.8% and Roger Federer’s 20% at the same age, as reported by Tennis365.
- What is Alcaraz’s next major milestone?
- Alcaraz will not turn 24 until May 5, 2027. His next major milestone is to surpass the 40-f mark held by Michael Chang and Stefan Edberg to enter the top 10 for most finals before age 24.
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