Carlos Alcaraz of Spain ended Novak Djokovic’s dream to win a record-leveling 24th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Sunday as the 20-year-old came from one set down to defeat the Serbian 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to claim his second major trophy.
The reigning US Open winner, having suffered a semifinal loss to the Serbian one month ago at Roland Garros, was playing in his second Grand Slam final while his opponent, 36, was making his appearance on that stage for a record 35th time.
Both players showed their all-around skills and mental tenacity through the four-hour and 42-minute tough battle, but it was the Spaniard who held his nerve better in the decider, sealing the victory thanks to an early break in the third game.
Alcaraz became the third-youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open Era which started in 1968, behind Boris Becker (17) and Bjorn Borg (20).
He retained the world number-one position ahead of Djokovic and showed that he can shine on grass, having also won the Queen’s Club tune-up event last month.
“This is a dream come true for me,” Alcaraz said. “It’s great to win, but even if I would have lost, I would have been really proud of myself.
“Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport. I’m really, really proud of myself, the team that I have, the work that we put in every day.”
He added in the direction of Djokovic: “I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. It is amazing.”
Djokovic was graceful in defeat, saying: “It was not so good for me but good for Carlos. I thought I would have trouble against you on clay and hard court but not on grass court. What a way to adapt to the surface, amazing.
“Praise to Carlos. What quality at the end of the match. You deserve it absolutely.”
“You never like to lose matches like these but when the emotions are settled, I must still be grateful. It’s a tough one to swallow, when you are so close, but these are the moments you work for every day. I didn’t win but lost against the better player.”
