Carlos Alcaraz made history at Wimbledon. The current world no. 1 defeated Novak Djokovic in a great match and was crowned champion in London. The 20-year-old Spaniard came from behind in a match that started rocky but managed to beat the Serbian in five sets that delighted the crowd and millions worldwide for 4 hours and 46 minutes. With this win, he earned his second Grand Slam title after the US Open in 2022.
In a match between the 1st and 2nd of the ATP ranking, Charly got better and better and managed to win the match 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6 and 6-4. It was the first final at Wimbledon for the Spaniard and the ninth for the Serb, who was seeking his 24th major tournament title and had not lost there since 2013 when he lost to Andy Murray in the final.
The match started with a dominant Djokovic, who seemed to take advantage of his experience to take the first set 6-1, relying on his serve and volley. However, when perhaps some might have thought that the Spaniard had been beaten, he let his character show in the second set.
Although he started 0-3, he gained confidence until he recovered from the first set, even the numbers, and reached a tiebreak that ended 8-6 in his favor. Djokovic had a set point that he failed to take advantage of, bringing the Spaniard back into the match. With the score tied, the third set would be crucial to either showcase his confidence or give it back to the Serbian, who is more accustomed to this type of showdown. To the surprise of those present, Alcaraz displayed his best tennis and took it 6-1.
Djokovic woke up in the fourth set with an early break that he maintained in the following games to take the set 6-4. The last five-set final at Wimbledon was in 2019 when the Serb and Roger Federer played one of the best matches in the competition's history.
Alcaraz, the player from Murcia, played an aggressive game with many approaches to the net. With a string of good returns, he broke his opponent's serve in the fourth game, leading Djokovic to break his racquet. The trend continued until the end, and Alcaraz suddenly found himself pulling forward in the game.
Despite being in his early twenties, he showed the world that he was not weighed down by this kind of match and closed the match with a 6-3 win to be crowned for the first time in London. It didn't take long for the emotions to overcome him, and, after a heartfelt embrace with the Serbian, he went up to the stage to embrace his family and especially his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who burst into tears of pride.
"It's unbelievable. A dream come true. Novak is an incredible player, who has inspired me a lot. He has been winning tournaments since I was born. I have fallen in love with grass. I never expected to play at this level on this surface. I've learned really fast and I'm really grateful and proud," said the Spaniard at a cordial awards ceremony, where he was seen to be very friendly with Djokovic, who had nothing but nice words for the champion and world no. 1.
Last 10 Wimbledon champions
2023: Carlos Alcaraz
2022: Novak Djokovic
2021: Novak Djokovic
2020: Cancelled due to Covid-19
2019: Novak Djokovic
2018: Novak Djokovic
2017: Roger Federer
2016: Andy Murray
2015: Novak Djokovic
2014: Novak Djokovic
2013: Andy Murray
