Alcaraz defeats Djokovic and confirms himself as Wimbledon champion

 

Carlos Alcaraz soundly defeated a less than stellar Novak Djokovic to retain his Wimbledon men’s singles title.

Although the players on court ensured this final was a repeat of last year’s, it failed to match the thrill of the five-set final of 12 months ago, with Djokovic appearing virtually helpless in the face of the dominant Spaniard.

Despite wasting three championship points in an attempt to secure a quick victory, Alcaraz regained his focus and raised his arms after battling through the third-set tie-break for a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) victory.

“It’s honestly a dream for me to win this trophy,” said Alcaraz, who was presented with the trophy by the Princess of Wales.

“I did an interview when I was 11 and said my dream is to win Wimbledon.”

Gracious in defeat, Djokovic shared a smile and warm embrace with Alcaraz at the net after his total defeat.

For the second consecutive year, Djokovic attempted to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight men’s Wimbledon titles.

The winner of 24 Majors was also looking to surpass Margaret Court and take the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles titles.

As tradition dictates, Alcaraz took to the players’ stage and was greeted by his team and family, celebrating his 14th consecutive Wimbledon victory.

With this result, the four-time Major winner continues his streak of consecutive victories in Grand Slam finals, while also becoming the youngest person to win at Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.

Alcaraz hoped it would be a day of double celebrations for Spain too, with the national football team due to face England in the final of Euro 2024 that evening.

Alcaraz has been unconvincing for most of this year’s championship, winning in straight sets only twice before Sunday’s final.

He had to show resilience to fight throughout the duration of the fights, battling Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe to defend his title.

This made his journey to the final even more impressive, with his true champion mentality that never gives up.

And in Sunday’s final, Alcaraz showed that he saved his best tennis for that final, crucial moment.

Former British number one Tim Henman called it an “annihilation”, while 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash described it as a “perfect performance”.

Alcaraz unleashed deft drop shots, perfect volleys and thunderous forehand winners that seemed to have stunned his thirty-seven-year-old opponent.

Following in the footsteps of his compatriot and Spanish hero Rafael Nadal in 2008 and 2010, Alcaraz achieved the rare feat of winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.

“Congratulations to Carlos for playing elite tennis, especially from the baseline. He had it all today,” Djokovic said in his runner-up speech.

When it was discovered that Djokovic had undergone surgery on June 5 for a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, it wasn’t just his title chances that were thrown into doubt.

There were fears that he would not be able to play at Wimbledon.

However, if it were not for the support on his knee, it would have been almost impossible to understand that Djokovic had suffered a serious injury.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had resumed his usual dominant and consistent tennis, losing only two sets in six matches.

But on Sunday the level suddenly dropped and Djokovic’s game looked unrecognizable, with failed attempts at the net and a handful of unforced errors.

What was expected to be a gripping sequel got off to a spectacular start: a 14-minute serve by Djokovic, who saved four break points before finally going behind.

Alcaraz’s confident start continued, as a rare double fault from Djokovic delivered a double break that allowed the third-ranked Spanish seed to calmly wrap up the first set.

It was déjà vu for the Serb in the second set, with Alcaraz placing delicate volleys and powerful winners to secure an early break before benefiting from another double fault from Djokovic.

Still struggling, Djokovic managed to hold out in the third set until Alcaraz scored the shot that allowed him to take a 5-4 lead and have the chance to serve for the title.

But the 21-year-old double-faulted on his first match point, netted in the second and then sent the ball out in the third, helping Djokovic recover a break and force a tiebreaker.

At that point, the prospects of a stunning comeback and a thrilling finale quickly evaporated as Alcaraz took control.

“Obviously it was not the result I wanted, but obviously in the first two sets the level of tennis was not up to par from my side,” Djokovic said.

“It wasn’t supposed to go this way. I tried to extend the match, but he deserved to win today, so congratulations to him.”

BBC

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