Carlos Alcaraz Destroys Djokovic Dream in Wimbledon Final.
Wimbledon
July 14, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz produced a breath-taking master class to defend his Wimbledon title on Centre Court.
There came a point on Sunday when Novak Djokovic knew Alcaraz was too young and too brilliant – and that he himself was too old.
Watching Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts probably sensed the inevitable too, on this typically glamorous occasion.
Novak’s dream of a 25th Grand Slam title – to go clear of Aussie legend Margaret Court – bit the dust. You have to wonder whether he will ever do it now.
Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns looks safe too – unless Alcaraz can beat it. The Spaniard has two already – at the age of 21.
Carlos Alcaraz often seemed to do the impossible in this Wimbledon 2024 final. He covered ground in superhuman style. Shots from the tennis gods almost every minute. He showed time and again that his game is already complete.
Djokovic in his prime might have been able to shut off the unlikely angles and see the genius coming from all directions. But at the age of 37, sufficient mobility to launch a consistent counter-threat was beyond him.
The Serb did belatedly put up a fight in the third set. Carlitos had resisted most of the pressure with casual confidence. Only when he had three match points at 5-4 did the reigning champion suddenly look ruffled.
But that familiar Alcaraz fun and composure returned with a vengeance in the tie-break. By far the best player on the day was able to close out the showdown 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).
After receiving his trophy from the Princess of Wales, Carlos Alcaraz said: ‘It’s a dream for me winning this trophy again. When I was eleven I set myself the goal to win Wimbledon.
‘This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and the most beautiful trophy.’
Djokovic said: ‘He was definitely very hot today. The first couple of sets the level of tennis wasn’t there for me – but he played amazing very quickly. He was an absolutely deserved winner and huge congratulations to him.’
Meanwhile Britain’s Alfie Hewett completed a career Grand Slam in the men’s wheelchair singles. He defeated Martin de la Puente 6-2, 6-3 on Court One.
‘Naturally missing out has been tough before. Last night I was a bag of nerves,’ he said. Hewett clearly used those nerves positively.
Another Brit, Henry Patten won the Wimbledon men’s doubles alongside Finland’s Harri Heliovaara after saving three Championship points.
They beat Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 6-7 (7-9). 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (11-9).
‘My dad told me it was like a bank robbery, which was harsh but fair,’ smiled Patten later.
Wimbledon 2024 has produced moving drama all the way – just as we knew it would.