Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon men’s singles crown after overcoming Novak Djokovic – and a third-set wobble – this afternoon.
The Spaniard beat the Serbian in a five-set epic last year but, 12 months on, was in charge from the outset as he completed a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7/4) win on Centre Court in two hours and 27 minutes.
Djokovic’s bid for a 25th grand slam title never got out of first gear as he was overpowered and outmanoeuvred by Alcaraz, who at 21 is 16 years his junior.
21 years old. 2 Wimbledon titles. #WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/MOVGKNOXT6
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) JULY 14, 2024
The first two sets were a procession as seven-time champion Djokovic was bullied in a way rarely seen. A 13-minute opening game in which Alcaraz threatened the Djokovic serve paved the way for a one-sided opening set as the Spaniard broke twice to go in front.
The second set was just as comprehensive with Djokovic seemingly having no answer as Alcaraz pushed him round the court with ease.
A further two breaks saw the defending champion go two sets up with a stunned Wimbledon crowd having to switch allegiances and root for Djokovic in a bid to extend the match.
It did not work, at least initially, as Alcaraz broke and served for the match at 5-4, surging into a 40-0 lead and establishing three Championship points. Then came the first sign of nerves as a double fault, a strong Djokovic return and some uncharacteristically sloppy play from Alcaraz saw the Serbian break for the first time in the match.
It ultimately went to a tie-break in which Alcaraz composed himself admirably to get the job done and record his fourth grand slam title.
A gracious Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery on June 5, said: “It obviously was not the result I wanted but of course in the first couple of sets the level of tennis wasn’t up to par from my side. But credit to Carlos for playing elite tennis, especially from the back of the court, he had it all today.
“It wasn’t meant to be, I tried to extend the match, but he was an absolute deserved winner today so congratulations for him.
“I have to be very proud. Obviously there’s a little disappointment right now as we’re talking 10 minutes after the match finished, but when I reflect I’m sure the last four, five weeks and really what I’ve been through along with my team and family, I have to say I’m very satisfied.
“Because Wimbledon was always a childhood dream of mine and to be here on the centre stage – I try to remind myself how serene it is to be here, every single time I step on this court it feels like the first time so I’m a child, living my childhood dream so once again, thank you.”
The King of Centre Court retains his crown 👑#BBCTENNIS #WIMBLEDON PIC.TWITTER.COM/ILPWJCGDXQ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) JULY 14, 2024
Alcaraz is just the sixth man in the open era to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year but he insists he has a long way to go to match the likes of Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic.
“It is a huge honour for me to be a part of those players,” he said. “I’m really happy to be at the same table as Novak to do it. Huge champions. I don’t consider myself a champion yet. Not like them. I try to keep going and building my path, my journey.”
Alcaraz hopes his victory will be the first of a Spanish double with the country’s footballers taking on England in the final of Euro 2024 tonight.
He said with a smile: “I don’t know where but I’ll watch it for sure. I’ve already done my job so let’s see for the football. It’s going to be a really difficult match. I’ll watch it.”
