Wimbledon 2023 LIVE: Reaction after Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic in final for the ages
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 1-6 7-6 6-1 3-6 6-4 to win one of the greatest ever Wimbledon finals
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon men’s final, denying the Serbian a fifth consecutive title, in a five-set epic and one of the greatest matches ever played at the All England Club.
Alcaraz fought from a set down in an instant classic to end Djokovic’s winning run in SW19, with the match played across almost five hours of breathtaking drama. Before the final, Djokovic had won 34 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and had not lost 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.
In doing so, the 20-year-old Spaniard 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 had been bidding to join Federer by equalling his men’s record of eight singles titles, but was denied by an inspired Alcaraz.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” an emotional Alcaraz said after receiving the trophy from the Princess of Wales. “Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport – for me it’s incredible. It’s amazing, for a boy like me, 20 years old, to reach this kind of situation.”
Follow live updates and results from day 14 of Wimbledon, below.
Wimbledon LIVE: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz 1-6 7-6 5-1 Novak Djokovic*
It’s been quite a while since Carlos Alcaraz had to do some serving. He starts with one that Djokovic pings over the back. The next serve draws the Serb into a rally but Djokovic pushes this one long too.
A backhand into the net from the defending champion takes Alcaraz to 40-0 and he closes out the game with a hold to 15. Alcaraz is one game away from taking the third set.
Wimbledon LIVE: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-6 7-6 4-1 Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has saved six break points in this game alone. His mental and physical fortitude is seriously impressive. The Serb just cannot get this game won.
Alcaraz sets up a seventh break point as chants of ‘Carlos, Carlos, Carlos’ echo around Centre Court. A game that lasts for 32 points finally ends and Alcaraz has his double break!
What a mammoth result for the Spaniard.
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