- Carlos Alcaraz (ATP 1) wins an epic and high-class Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic (ATP 2) 1: 6, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 1, 3: 6, 6: 4.
- For the 20-year-old world number 1, it is the 2nd Grand Slam triumph after last year’s US Open victory.
- After 4 titles and 34 match successes in a row, Djokovic once again suffered a defeat on the “sacred lawn”.
With a quick forehand cross, Carlos Alcaraz boldly set the pace again and stormed to the net. Novak Djokovic reached for the ball and tried to pass the Spaniard. But the felt ball got stuck on the edge of the net and the world number 1 fell overjoyed to the ground after a 4:42 hour battle of attrition.
It was impressive how Alcaraz served the match home. In a situation in which many a professional felt his heart sink into his pants, the Spaniard took the same in his hands and closed the sack. The match point was the final point behind a dramatic and high-class game, which included numerous twists and turns.
In the 1 sentence had absolutely nothing to indicate a triumph for Alcaraz. When the youngster won his first game with a wonderful passing ball, he was already 0:5 behind. A short time later the sentence was gone (1:6).
But in contrast to the French Open semifinals, when Alcaraz seemed overwhelmed by the whole affiche against Djokovic, the Spaniard was able to react. He was also undeterred when he 2nd sentence returned a break advantage. In a tight tie-break, Alcaraz equalized the set with a return winner. Djokovic had all won the last 15 short decisions in Grand Slam tournaments this year in Melbourne, Paris and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz breaks after a 26-minute game
In a high-class final with countless highlight points, Alcaraz bought the 3rd movement his Serbian opponent with a 6:1 score and also won a game that lasted 26 (!) minutes and 13 (!) times went over the debut. The last time Djokovic lost a set so clearly at Wimbledon was in the final against Roger Federer in 2019.
But in 4th movement Djokovic showed why he had won the last 4 Wimbledon tournaments, hadn’t lost for 34 games on the “sacred lawn” and hadn’t played a match on Center Court for 10 years. With a 6: 3, Djokovic equalized what was happening on the lawn. A 5th round had to bring the decision.
And in this one 5th set The 20-year-old Alcaraz played like a hardened veteran. He managed the early break to make it 2-1 and in the following service games he didn’t let Djokovic come close to a rebreak. Under the eyes of many well-known personalities such as the British Royal Family, King Felipe of Spain, actor Brad Pitt and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, Alcaraz managed the impossible at 6:52 p.m. local time and dethroned lawn king Djokovic.
Federer remains record winner
Due to his defeat in the final, Djokovic missed catching up with record champion Federer with 8 Wimbledon titles. The 36-year-old was also denied the 24th Grand Slam triumph. Djokovic would have equalized Margaret Court’s record.
With his 2nd Grand Slam triumph after the US Open last year, Alcaraz continues to extend his lead in the world rankings. If he lost, Djokovic would have overtaken him.
2 examples of many: Great tennis between Alcaraz & Djokovic