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Carlos Alcaraz stamped himself as a generational talent by ending Novak Djokovic’s four-year run as Wimbledon champion in an instant classic that saw the Serbian lose his cool on multiple occasions.
The Spanish 20-year-old and tennis’ greatest ever player locked horns in one of the most-anticipated showdowns in recent memory – and it surpassed expectation.
World number one Alcaraz recovered from dropping the first set and saving a set point in the second to win 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after four hours and 42 minutes on Centre Court.
GUARD CHANGED: Alcaraz tennis’ new king as Djoker in tears after five-set Wimbledon war
It was a second major for the 20-year-old Spaniard following his US Open title last year as he became Wimbledon’s third youngest men’s champion.
Alcaraz dethrones Djokovic to win major | 03:00
Djokovic looked like doing it easily as he jumped out of the blocks in his quest to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 slams.
But a couple of costly unforced errors cost him late in the tie-breaker – and then the wheels began to wobble.
A marathon 27-minute game in midway through the third set tested both players to the limit, but it was Djokovic who showed a lack of composure as he began arguing with the umpire and reacting to the crowd.
Djokovic had a lengthy conversation with the chair umpire about the service clock starting while he was walking to get a towel – a chore players have been forced to do themselves since ballkids were relieved of the job during Covid.
“I have to go and get the towel, but you start the time!” complained Djokovic, who was called for a time violation in the second set.
After a long bathroom break at the end of the third set, the Serb rallied back to force a deciding set.
He maintained his level early in the fifth but Alcaraz rose to the occasion to secure an early break and spark a Djokovic explosion.
He smashed his racket on the net post as the realisation hit home – this opponent wasn’t going to blink.
The theatrics did nothing to distract Alcaraz, who was ultra-impressive as he confidently kept putting away his service games to win the match.
The defeat leaves Djokovic just one grand slam ahead of Rafael Nadal as the previous Spanish king looks to make one last run in 2024.
Djokovic also remained one behind Roger Federer with seven Wimbledon titles, missing an opportunity to join him on eight.
It would be brave to suggest Djokovic’s grand slam tally won’t keep growing, but for the first time there’s a young star who has shown he can match the Serb’s best.
Asked if he was ready to assume the mantle of Djokovic’s biggest rival, Alcaraz told ESPN: “I hope so … I’m ready to move forward and be the big rival of Novak.”
Djokovic composed himself before his runner-up speech and gave full credit to Alcaraz.
“Good afternoon everyone. Not so good for me, but good for Carlos,” he began.
“I thought I’d only have trouble with you on clay and hard court, not grass. But it’s a different story from this year. Congrats, an amazing way to adapt to the surface.
“You never like to lose matches like this. I guess when all the emotions are settled I have to still be very grateful.”
But he lost control again when addressing his family, who were seated in the grandstand. Djokovic began to cry and had to pause proceedings for several seconds before thanking his loved ones.
“Nice to see my son still up there, smiling,” Djokovic said. “I love you. Thank you for supporting me. I’ll give you a big hug.”
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