Carlos Alcaraz has snapped 23-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic’s long Wimbledon streak to claim his second grand slam title in a stunning men’s decider. Both players showed their class on and off the court but it was the 20-year-old Spaniard who came through a thrilling contest, after prevailing 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after four hours and 42 minutes on Centre Court.
Djokovic had not lost in his previous 34 matches – or since 2010 on Centre Court – but his run came to an end in an absorbing encounter as Alacaraz denied the Serb a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and 24th career major that would have matched Aussie great Margaret Court’s all-time record. Alcaraz recovered from dropping the first set and had to save a set point in the second, as the young gun demonstrated once again how strong his mental resolve is.
Djokovic at one point argued with the chair umpire about starting the service clock while he was going to get a towel, then copped boos from the crowd after a lengthy bathroom break before the fourth set, in which he found a way to regroup and force a deciding set. Djokovic wasted a golden chance to break for 2-0 in the decider after a wild smash and Alcaraz made him pay after breaking to go 2-1 up.
A frustrated Djokovic collected a code violation for destroying his racquet against the net post before he slipped 3-1 down and a famous victory was complete for Alcaraz when Djokovic buried a forehand into the net. Djokovic was clearly devastated but showed his class in a runner-up speech in which he heaped praise on his young opponent.
