Carlos Alcaraz Celebrates Defeating Novak Djokovic To Win His First-Ever Wimbledon Title on Sunday.

Carlos Alcaraz defeats 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a spectacular five-set match to win his first championship at the All England Club.


Seven time champion Djokovic made a sizzling start in south-west London, but Alcaraz dug deep to snap the Serbian's 14-tie-break winning streak at Grand Slam events and claim a crucial second set before later holding off a Djokovic comeback to claim the title.


A month after his body crumbled under the sheer tension of facing Djokovic at the French Open, winning a record 23rd major at Roland Garros, Alcaraz fought and recovered from a set deficit to perform at a remarkable level as the No 1 seed toppled Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his first Wimbledon title, denying the Serbian a fifth consecutive title, in a thrilling five-set epic and one of the greatest matches ever played at the All England Club.


The defeat, ended Djokovic’s dominant winning run in an SW19 classic, with the match played across almost five hours (four-hour, 42-minute) of breathtaking drama, as Djokovic endures first Centre Court defeat in over 10 years.


Entering Sunday's Wimbledon final, Djokovic had won 34 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and had not lost a match on Centre Court since 2013, but Alcaraz overturned history to win his second grand slam title. Djokovic had also won his previous 104 grand slam matches after winning the opening set.



The victory for Alcatraz, sees him 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.

With his Tour-leading 47th win of the season, Alcaraz who won his first major at the 2022 U.S Open, became just the fifth man in the Open Era (since 1968) to win multiple major titles prior to turning 21. The 20-year-old Spaniard’s victory also means he will begin a 29th week at No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.


Alcaraz also becomes the youngest Wimbledon gentlemen's singles champion since Boris Becker in 1985.

In 2022, he became the youngest man to end the year as ATP World No.1.



Alcaraz was ecstatic following his second major triumph and hopes his victory can inspire the next generation on Tour.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” said Alcaraz, who also prevented Djokovic from replacing him at No. 1 in Monday's Pepperstone ATP Rankings with his win. “As I said before, of course it’s great to win, but even if I had lost, I would be really proud of myself with this amazing run. Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport.

“It’s a dream come true to be able to play on these stages. It’s amazing for a boy, 20 years old, to reach this kind of situation really fast. I’m really, really proud of myself and the team that I have. The work we put in every day, to be able to lift this.

“Making history that I did today, it's the happiest moment of my life,” Alcaraz added. “I think it's not going to change for a long time. Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon championship is something that I dreamt about since I starting playing tennis. That's why is the biggest moment of my life.

“Beating Novak at his best in this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on that court, is amazing for me. “It's something that I will never forget, that's for sure. It's great for the new generation, as well, I think to see me beating him and making them think that they are capable to do it, as well. It's great for me and I think for the young players, as well.”



After winning the title, Alcaraz made his way to his player box, where he celebrated with his team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, and his family.

“It's special moment not just for me, but for my family, for all the people around me,” Alcaraz said. “It's a really, really special moment. I start playing tennis thanks to my dad. [He is a] really huge fan of tennis. He was watching tennis before I was born. It's crazy. His whole life, it's about tennis.

“I think for them, watching their kid making history, lifting the trophy, winning Wimbledon, is something incredible for them. For me to have them there, giving them a big hug, it's something that I will never forget. I hope to have a photo from that moment because I'm going to keep it forever.”


Djokovic on the other hand, has played great rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer a combined 109 times. On Sunday, he faced Carlos Alcaraz for just the third time, falling against the Spaniard.

Reflecting on the clash, Djokovic was full of praise for Alcaraz, comparing the World No. 1 to 20-time major winner Federer and 22-time Slam champion Nadal.

“I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about [Alcaraz’s] game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that. I think he's got basically best of all three worlds,” Djokovic said.


“He's got this mental resilience and really maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It's quite impressive. He's got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defence that we've seen with Rafa over the years. And I think he's got some nice sliding backhands that he's got some similarities with my backhands. The two-handed backhands, defence, being able to adapt. I think that has been my personal strength for many years. He has it, too.

“I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obvious strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces.”



 

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