Young Carlos Alcarez put an end to Novak Djokovic’s run of success, in a superb 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory, in his first title at the grass court Grand Slam and second at the majors.
Alcaraz, who is just 20 years old, came back stronger on Sunday from a poor first set to win against Novak, his 36 years old opponent in four hours 42 minutes.
His win loses Djokovic a fifth straight title at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It was a strong comeback for the Spanish winner, who had lost against Djokovic in the recent French Open semifinals.
Alcaraz is now the third-youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open Era after Boris Becker (17) and Bjorn Borg (20). He also kept the world number-one having won the Queen’s Club tune-up event last month. His previous major title was at last year’s US Open.
“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.”
Djokovic as a result of the loss, has sadly missed what would have been record-tying five Wimbledon titles in a row – eight overall there and 24 at all Grand Slams. This was his first Wimbledon centre court defeat since 2013. This loss has also ended his bid for a calendar year Grand Slam ahead of the US Open, having won the Australian and French Open tournaments earlier in the year.
Djokovic however said: “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.
