Carlos Alcaraz defeated seven-time winner Novak Djokovic with a decisive 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory in the Wimbledon men’s final on Sunday, securing his fourth Grand Slam title at age 21.
The match was a stunning rematch from last year’s final, where Alcaraz first bested Djokovic. With this win, the Spanish player joins the elite group of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, and Rod Laver in achieving a French Open and Wimbledon win in the same year.
Reflecting on his victory, Alcaraz said: “For me, this is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court, and the most beautiful trophy. Djokovic is an unbelievable fighter; I knew he would have his chances. It was difficult, but I tried to stay calm going into the tie-break and tried to play my best tennis.”
Djokovic, still close to a record 25th slam singles title and one behind Federer’s tally of eight Wimbledon titles said: “Especially in the first couple of sets, the level of tennis was not really up to par on my side. He had it all today. I tried to push him… It wasn’t meant to be.”
The showdown concluded in two hours and 27 minutes, with Alcaraz overcoming a late wobble to claim the victory. The match began dramatically with a 13-minute first game where Djokovic saved four break points before sending a forehand wide on Alcaraz’s fifth chance.
Alcaraz played at a different speed from his opponent, his forehand proving too powerful for the Serbian. Djokovic repeatedly rushed to the net, indicating a lack of confidence in competing with Alcaraz from the back of the court.
Alcaraz’s dominance continued in the second set, breaking Djokovic in the opening game and again at 4-2, where Djokovic double-faulted on break point for the second time. Djokovic needed a spark, which came in the third game of the third set when he saved four break points, yelling as he walked back to his chair.
Alcaraz, who won his first Slam title at the 2022 U.S. Open as a teenager, has now collected more Slam hardware before turning 22 than any other man, improving to 4-0 in major finals.
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