It was a thrilling contest, as Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 1-6 7-6 6-1 3-6 6-4 to win one of the greatest ever Wimbledon finals.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon men’s final, denying the Serbian a fifth consecutive title, in a five-set epic and one of the greatest matches ever played at the All England Club.
Alcaraz fought from a set down in an instant classic to end Djokovic’s winning run in SW19, with the match played across almost five hours of breathtaking drama.
Before the final, Djokovic had won 34 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and had not lost on Centre Court since 2013, but Alcaraz overturned history to win his second grand slam title. In overturning history, Alcaraz played with a spirit of infectious belief and carried Centre Court with him. Djokovic had also won his previous 104 grand slam matches after winning the opening set, independent.co.uk reports.
In doing so, the 20-year-old Spaniard brings one of the most dominant eras of tennis history to an end. Alcaraz is the first player outside of the sport’s ‘big four’ of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title since 2002. Djokovic has been bidding to join Federer by equalling his men’s record of eight singles titles, but was denied by an inspired Alcaraz.
Wimbledon has a new champion, and a new hero. To break new ground and end Novak Djokovic’s dominance at the All England Club, Carlos Alcaraz had to go to a place no other player had dared to reach, dragging the most successful men’s player of all time into a battle that saw this final live up to its hype and will be remembered as one of the greatest ever staged in Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic broke down in tears addressing his son in the stands after losing the men’s Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
The 36-year-old had not lost at Wimbledon since 2017 and had not lost on Centre Court in over 10 years before a Spanish player 16 years his junior claimed the title.
In a post match interview, Carlos Alcaraz was asked what it’s like to play in front of the King of Spain. He replied: “It’s really special. It’s special to play in front of royalty.
“King Felipe, I am really proud that you are here supporting me. When I played in front of you twice, twice I won, I hope you are coming more! It is really special and I have to thank you for coming and supporting.”
On becoming the newest Wimbledon champion and reacting to a famous victory over Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz said, “It’s a dream come true for me. I said before, it is so good to win but even if I would have lost I would be really proud of myself. Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true.
“It was unbelievable to play in these stages. It’s amazing for a boy – 20 years-old – I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast. I am really proud of myself, I am really proud for the team and the work we put in every day to be able to lift this.
“After the first set I thought ‘Carlos, increase the level. Everyone would be disappointed’.
“I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him. You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. You said 36 is the new 26 and you make that happen. It’s amazing.”
Novak Djokovic was asked whether he can reflect positively after reaching a third Grand Slam final in 2023 to which he replied:
“I will be tomorrow morning probably but today not so much. Tough one to swallow when you are so close. There are the moment that we work for every day to play on the biggest stages and biggest courts and most important tournaments in the world.
“I’ve been blessed with so many incredible matches throughout my career. I’m really grateful. I lost to a better player and I have to move on stronger.
“It’s nice to see my son still there, still smiling. I love you, thank you for supporting me and we can all have a big hug, and love each other. Thank you, ” he said.
Further reacting from his defeat, Novak Djokovic expressed : “Not so good for me but good for Carlos.
“I have to start with praises to Carlos and his team. What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out. You can up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it . Amazing.
“I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously. Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface you played maybe one or twice.
“Amazing, what you did in Queens and congratulations to everybody in your team.
“As for me, you never like to lose matches like these but I guess when all the emotions are settled I’ll have to be very grateful. I won many tight and close matches in the past here, to name a few. 2019 against Roger. Maybe I should have lost a few finals that I won so maybe this is even stevens.
“You deserve it, you were amazing,” says Novak Djokovic to Carlos Alcaraz in his post match interview, “Congratulations.”
At 20 years and 72 days old Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest men’s Wimbledon champion since Boris Becker (17 years, 227 days in 1985 and 18 years, 226 days in 1986) and Bjorn Borg (20 years, 27 days in 1976).
