Wimbledon Final Highlights: World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz outlasted the seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic to win his maiden title at the Wimbledon Sunday, 16th July 2023. In a rivetting final, Alcaraz clinched a 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory. With this, Djokovic unbeaten run at the Centre Court since 2012 has come to an end.
Also Read: Wimbledon Final: Vondrousova creates history, wins 1st Grand Slam title
The World No. 1 recovered from a shaky start to deliver a high-quality championship-match display. He became just the fifth man in the Open Era to win multiple major titles prior to turning 21.
Second seed 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.
“After the first set, I thought, ‘Carlos, increase the level, everyone will be disappointed’,” said Alcaraz. “It’s a dream come true for me,” said Alcaraz, who also prevented Djokovic from replacing him at No. 1 in 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.”
Alcaraz, who won his first major at the 2022 US Open, snapped Djokovic’s 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon with his four-hour, 42-minute victory in an SW19 classic. He is just the fourth active male player to lift the trophy at the All England Club, after Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
“I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him. What can I say about him? It’s unbelievable. You inspired me a lot, playing tennis, [I watched] you since I was born,” added Alcaraz, turning to Djokovic. “You were already winning tournaments. and you are probably in better shape than me. Thirty-six is the new 26, you make that happen. It’s amazing.”
Alcaraz was saluted by the roaring crowd as he produced a blazing down the line service return to win one of the highest quality sets seen at this year’s championships.
“I thought I’d have trouble with you only on clay and hard courts. But maybe not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously. Congrats. Amazing way to adapt to the surface,” Djokovic told his conqueror. “You played maybe once or twice before this year’s Wimbledon on grass and it’s amazing just what you did.”
With the win, Alcaraz has also denied Djokovic a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th career Grand Slam title. Had Djokovic won it, he would have equalled Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and Margarte Court’s tally of 24 career Grand Slam wins.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / Follow Wimbledon 2023 Updates with InsideSport.IN.