Carlos Alcaraz Stuns Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon Final with Stellar Performance
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/15th July 2024
In a stunning display of tennis brilliance, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4), to claim his second consecutive Wimbledon title. The victory not only marked a significant triumph for Alcaraz but also highlighted the young Spaniard’s extraordinary talent and resilience on the court.
This victory was reminiscent of Djokovic’s loss to Rafael Nadal at the 2020 French Open, where Djokovic managed to win only seven games. Alcaraz’s victory handed Djokovic his first straight-sets defeat at Wimbledon since his 2013 final loss to Andy Murray.
Despite undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus just over five weeks ago, Djokovic appeared physically fit but struggled with his stamina, often looking short of breath. However, attributing Alcaraz’s win solely to Djokovic’s physical condition would undermine the 21-year-old’s exceptional performance. Alcaraz delivered one of the best matches of his career, securing his fourth Grand Slam title and completing the prestigious French Open-Wimbledon double.
“I am not going to consider myself a great champion yet,” Alcaraz stated modestly after the match, despite evidence to the contrary. His performance spoke volumes, demonstrating his capability to match and surpass even the most seasoned players.
The match started with a 13-minute opening game that included seven deuces and ended with Alcaraz breaking Djokovic’s serve. From that point on, Djokovic, a 24-time Slam winner, seemed outmatched by the younger player. Alcaraz dominated the first set 6-2, displaying none of the nerves that plagued him in the previous year’s final, where he lost the first set 1-6.
Alcaraz’s serves were powerful and precise, his groundstrokes sharp and angled, and his drop shots almost impossible for Djokovic to counter. The Spaniard’s forehand was particularly impressive, seeming to be guided by an invisible string, while his incredible athleticism allowed him to reach balls that seemed out of reach, frustrating Djokovic time and again.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Alcaraz quickly secured an early break, aided by his exceptional returns and a missed volley from Djokovic. The Serb’s strategy to play a net-rushing game was repeatedly thwarted by Alcaraz’s superior play.
“He wasn’t allowing me free points on my serve,” Djokovic remarked. “He was reading the serve and playing with a lot of variety. And I’ve never seen him serve that way… 136mph! I’ve never seen him serve that fast.”
In the final set, Alcaraz faced some pressure but remained unfazed. He broke Djokovic’s serve decisively in the ninth game, showcasing his remarkable skill with a two-fisted cross-court pass. Although Alcaraz let three match points slip away at 5-4, 40-0, he quickly regained his composure to win the tie-breaker.
Djokovic, known for his incredible comebacks at Wimbledon, was unable to mount a successful defense this time. Alcaraz’s consistent, high-level play during the tie-breaker, including a spectacular forehand winner, a brilliant pickup, and an astonishing drop shot, sealed his victory.
In the end, a return error from Djokovic on Alcaraz’s fourth match point clinched the win for the Spaniard. Djokovic conceded, “I was inferior on the court. He played every single shot better. I don’t think I could have done much more.”
This victory solidifies Carlos Alcaraz’s position as one of the brightest stars in tennis, capable of challenging and defeating even the sport’s greatest legends. The 2024 Wimbledon final will be remembered as a defining moment in his career, marking the rise of a new champion in the world of tennis.
