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World No. 1 Carlos Algarz defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set men’s final. Sunday His first win Wimbledon title.
The Spaniard prevailed after nearly five hours on Center Court, eventually winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, before hurling a tennis ball into the crowd in jubilation. .
The 20-year-old became the third youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open era and added a second major title to her resume after winning the US Open last year.
With his extraordinary athleticism and skill, Alcaraz stopped Djokovic from tying Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles of all time and Roger Federer eight places for the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles.
But it was straight for Alcaraz, who came from a set down against the greatest tennis player in history, operating at the peak of his powers.
In the end, a new Wimbledon champion was crowned as Djokovic’s forehand failed, and Algaraz cemented his position as the leader of the next generation of men’s tennis.
“Well, it’s a dream come true for me,” Alcaraz said in his court interview. “For me, it’s unbelievable. Like I said, it’s a dream come true to play at these levels, it’s amazing for a 20-year-old boy, I didn’t expect to reach such situations so fast.
“I’m very proud of myself, and I’m proud of the team I have. The work we do every day to live this experience.”
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic broke down in tears on court as he spoke to his children, who watched the final from the players’ box. “I love you,” he told his family, already greeting his enemy. “Thank you for supporting me.”
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Algaraz celebrates after beating Djokovic.
It was the final match everyone wanted. The talented youngster has already won two majors this year against a veteran who was chasing history and winning Grand Slams for fun.
Many expected Algaraz to come out all guns blazing and Djokovic was on the back foot early on as he faced a break point in the opening game. But the 36-year-old looked out of danger because he was so popular.
In tough conditions, Djokovic piled the pressure back on the Spaniard in the next game, racing to a 40-0 lead and three break points. The 23-time Grand Slam champion converted for the third time after asking to land the first haymaker of the final.
Every rally was filled with beautiful displays, from skillful drop shots to powerful winners. BBC commentator Andrew Castle reminded viewers that what they were watching was “real” and not a “computer game”.
It was the experienced Serbian who took the first set, breaking Alcazar for the second time to take a 5-0 lead.
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Algaraz and Djokovic embrace at the net.
It wasn’t that Algaraz played particularly badly – as he showed with his excellent forehand to win his first game – Djokovic was almost unplayable at times. Whatever Algaraz threw at him, Djokovic had an answer – he had just two unforced errors in the first set and took it in 34 minutes.
Even in the early stages of the tournament, the task ahead of Algaraz seemed almost insurmountable. After all, Djokovic has won all 77 of his Wimbledon main-draw matches after winning the first set.
However, a renewed Algaraz won the opening game of the second set, followed by what we’ve come to expect from the Spaniard: explosive fist pumps, loud cheers and confidence. However, Djokovic, ever the neutralizer, showed why he is a perennial Grand Slam winner, breaking back to drag himself into the second frame.
With Andy Murray, who last beat Djokovic on Center Court in 2013, Djokovic held to level the second set, saving a break point in a 29-shot rally. Djokovic gave the crowd an earful after doing it.
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Novak Djokovic reacts after falling.
So, the second set came down to a tiebreak, a difficult task for Algaras as Djokovic has won his last 15 tiebreaks in a row at Grand Slams.
With nothing to separate the two, a moment of brilliance – Pinbe past Djokovic – earned Algaraz the tiebreak and the set, and even a standing ovation from the crowd.
The fans celebrated the match very much.
Midway through the third set came Wimbledon’s longest match this year. A marathon match of deuces and pros was thus far a microcosm. After almost 30 minutes of tennis, on his seventh break point, Alcaraz took the set with a 4-1 lead.
Djokovic, trailing for the first time in the match, spent nearly seven minutes off the court taking a bathroom break before the start of the fourth set.
However, the break helped him refocus and he was able to take advantage of crucial Algaras errors to take the fourth set and even the score.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
“It’s nice to see my son still up there smiling,” Djokovic said as he teared up at his son during the trophy presentation.
The pressure has reached the breaking point.
The decisive moment of the match came in the third game of the decider when Algaraz produced a sumptuous passing backhand to break Djokovic and take an early lead.
The usually unflappable Djokovic slammed his racket into the net post in frustration and earned a warning from the umpire.
From then on, the crowd cheered every point as a match point, and as the finish line came into sight the players produced some of their best tennis, Algaraz coming out on top in a match that will live long in the memory.
