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Defeated by World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated reigning champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set men’s final on Sunday to win his first Wimbledon title.
The Spaniard won after nearly five hours on Center Court, eventually winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, and happily fell to the grass in celebration before us -volley a tennis ball to people. .
The 20-year-old became the third youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open Era and added a second major title to his resume after winning the US Open last year.
Through his extraordinary display of athleticism and skill, Alcaraz prevented Djokovic from tying Margaret Court for the most grand slam singles titles of all time and Roger Federer at eight for the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles. .
But it was straight forward for Alcaraz, who came from one set down against the greatest tennis player in history to perform at the peak of his powers.
In the end, as Djokovic’s forehand attempt failed to penetrate the net, a new Wimbledon champion was crowned and Alcaraz cemented his status as the leader of the next generation of men’s tennis.
“Well, it’s a dream come true for me,” said Alcaraz in his on-court interview afterwards. “To me, it’s unbelievable. Like I said, it’s a dream come true to be able to play at these stages, amazing for a 20-year-old boy, I didn’t expect to reach such conditions so quickly.
“I’m very proud of myself and I’m really proud of the team I have. The work we put in every day to live this experience. ”
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic wept on court after addressing his children who watched the final from the players’ box. “I love you,” he told his family, who congratulated his opponent. “Thank you for supporting me.”
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Alcaraz celebrates after beating Djokovic.
This is the last thing everyone wants. The talented youngster versus the veteran chasing history and winning grand slams for fun, capturing two majors this year.
Many expected Alcaraz to come out all guns blazing and Djokovic was in early form as he faced break points in the opening game. But the 36-year-old’s strength has become so well-known that it has seen him in danger.
In tense conditions, Djokovic turned the pressure on the Spaniard in the next game, racing to a 40-0 lead and three break points. The 23-time grand slam champion converted for the third time in a bid to get the first haymaker in the final.
Every rally is filled with beautiful shot sequences, from deft drop shots to powerful winners. BBC commentator Andrew Castle reminded viewers that what they were watching was “real” and not a “computer game,” noting the level of excellence on display.
The experienced Serb took the first set, breaking Alcaraz a second time for a 5-0 lead to put his stamp on the proceedings.
Toby Melville/Reuters
Alcaraz and Djokovic hug the net.
It wasn’t that Alcaraz was playing particularly badly – as he showed with his excellent forehand placement to win his first game of the match – it was that Djokovic was almost unplayable at times. No matter what Alcaraz threw at him, Djokovic had an answer – he had just two unforced errors in the first set and secured it in just 34 minutes.
The task before Alcaraz seemed almost insurmountable even in the early stages of the game. After all, Djokovic won all 77 of his Wimbledon main-draw matches after winning the first set.
However, a rejuvenated Alcaraz won the opening game of the second set and what followed was what we’ve come to expect from the Spaniard: bombastic fist pumps, loud cheers and confidence. However, despite the neutralizer, Djokovic showed why he is a perennial grand slam winner, coming back to take himself into the second frame.
With Andy Murray, the last man to beat Djokovic on Center Court, back in 2013, looking on, Djokovic held serve to level the second set in a match that included a 29-shot rally full of of bruising shots to save the break point. Djokovic closed his ears to the crowd after doing this.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic reacts after falling.
And so, the second set went down to a tiebreak, a daunting task for Alcaraz with Djokovic having won his last 15 consecutive tiebreaks at the grand slam.
Without separating the two, a moment of brilliance – a backhand down the line past an onrushing Djokovic – won Alcaraz the tiebreak and the set, and a standing ovation from the crowd, too.
The fans were treated to a great game.
In the middle of the third set was the longest match at Wimbledon this year. A marathon of deuces and advantages in what has been a microcosm of the game so far. After nearly 30 minutes of tennis, and with his seventh break point, Alcaraz took a 4-1 lead and wrestled control of the set.
Stunned and late for the first time in the match, Djokovic took a bathroom break and spent nearly seven minutes outside the court before the start of the fourth set.
The break seemed to help him focus, though, and he was able to capitalize on crucial Alcaraz mistakes to take the fourth set and even the score.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
Djokovic cried during the trophy presentation after seeing his son, saying “it’s nice to see my son still there, smiling.”
The pressure is reaching the breaking point.
The defining moment of the match came in the third game of the decider when Alcaraz produced a beautiful passing backhand to break Djokovic and take an early lead.
The normally unbeatable Djokovic smashed his racket against the net post in frustration and received a warning from the umpire.
From this, the crowd cheered every point as if it were match point and when the finish line was in sight the players did some of their best tennis with Alcaraz coming out on top in a game that will live long in the memory.
