Those who opened their wallets for a Wimbledon final ticket undoubtedly got their money’s worth today.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic almost put on a masterful performance.
However, after almost five hours of play, it was the young Spaniard who received the silverware from the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, when he beat the great master 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6 and dethroned 6-4.
Dream ???? achieved ????#Wimbledon | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/BPQfWe3qF9
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023
Alcaraz remained standing after Djokovic – the defending champion – clinched the first set on a run with 6-1. Unlike in the semi-final of the French Open, when he badly lost steam against the very opponent, he was now able to switch to a higher gear while having answers to most of the Serbian’s questions ready.
He also (when he could) hit the tennis ball covers hard.
Suddenly a 1-0 deficit became a 2-1 lead and the momentum pendulum definitely swung in his direction.
Remember, @CarlosAlcaraz is 20 years of age.
The Play of the Day from the Gentlemen’s Singles final, presented by @BarclaysUK#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/33KzxI5yzO
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023
But Djokovic is not a seven-time Wimbledon champion and the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles for nothing. If there’s anyone who can fight fire with fire, it’s the 36-year-old tennis star.
The Serbian moved around in the fourth set with the agility of a much younger player and he forced a fifth and decisive set with renewed strength and zeal.
Still, Alcaraz was persuaded not to let this one slip through his fingers and the spectators celebrated with him when Djokovic hit the ball against the net in the last move of the match.
“You came up with incredible tennis towards the end of the match. You fully deserve this title. I initially thought that I would only struggle against you on clay and hard courts, but after today it’s a different story!” Djokovic said after the match.
“It’s never nice to lose games like that, but I’m still very grateful (to be able to play). I lost to a better player today, but I will do my best to come back stronger.”
For Alcaraz, the Wimbledon triumph is the icing on the cake.
“It is a dream come true. Even if I had lost, I would still have been proud to play here at Wimbledon against a legend. It’s actually unbelievable that a 20-year-old boy finds himself in this situation and I’m very proud of myself and my team.”
34-match winning streak. Four titles in a row. One Novak Djokovic.
A historic run from a historic champion.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ZicltjtCNF
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023
