Carlos Alcaraz approached his latest Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic with a sharp focus, a stark contrast to his previous year’s start. In their 2023 clash, Alcaraz had stumbled initially, dropping the first set and eventually requiring five sets to secure his first All England Club title. This year, from the very first game, it was clear he was ready, taking nearly 15 minutes to win a gruelling opening game that set the tone for the match. Both players showcased moments of brilliance, but Alcaraz outperformed Djokovic throughout nearly all of the next two hours.
The 21-year-old Spaniard leveraged his experiences from the previous year, leading to a commanding 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory over Djokovic, clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon championship and his fourth Grand Slam title overall. Reflecting on his ambitions, Alcaraz said, “At the end of my career, I want to sit at the same table as the big guys. That’s my main goal. That’s my dream right now.” This victory also made him just the sixth man to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season.
Alcaraz’s record in major finals now stands at an impressive 4-0, second only to Roger Federer’s 7-0 start. Djokovic, who had recently undergone knee surgery, acknowledged his opponent’s superiority, stating, “He just was better than me in every aspect of the game.”
Despite a brief wobble when he was a point from the championship and allowed Djokovic to break back, Alcaraz quickly regained his composure to close out the match in a tiebreaker. Last year’s evenly matched contest was not repeated; Alcaraz dominated this year.
Djokovic, sporting a grey sleeve on his knee, was not at his best, partly due to Alcaraz’s formidable play. The first game, extending to 20 points, was the most competitive until the third set. Though there were sparks of excitement, the outcome seldom seemed in doubt.
The crowd at Centre Court saw Djokovic double-fault to give away a lead in the first set, miss crucial volleys in the second, and struggle to maintain his usual level of play. Despite a brief rally in the third set, supported by chants of “No-le! No-le!” from his fans, Djokovic couldn’t sustain his momentum. Alcaraz’s diverse skills were on full display, executing stunning forehand winners, deft drop shots, and powerful serves clocking up to 136 mph (219 kph).
Alcaraz’s performance was not just about skill but also flair, including an audacious shot played behind his back. His versatility and confidence on the court were evident as he accumulated 14 break points and faced only three.
Djokovic had previously likened Alcaraz to himself, a compliment that seemed prescient. As Alcaraz said after his win, “I want to keep going,” indicating that his journey to greatness is just beginning.
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