Carlos Alcaraz ends Djokovic's Wimbledon streak in five-set classic

July 16, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz ends Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon streak in five-set classic

Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon title for the first time, becoming the first man to beat the Serb at SW19 since 2017.

Alcaraz beat the 23-time Grand Slam champion, 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, to win his second Grand Slam title and remain the world No.1.

The last time that Djokovic was beaten at Wimbledon was at the quarter-final stage six years ago, when he retired against Tomas Berdych with an elbow injury that he later had surgery on.

Alcaraz’s triumph also brings an end to another streak of Djokovic’s, with his 10 year and 45 match winning record on Centre Court finally coming to a close.

The Spaniard paid tribute to the man 16 years his senior, “You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis, watching you, since I was born, you already were winning tournaments. It’s amazing – you said 36 is the new 26 and you make that happen.”

Novak Djokovic's Centre Court run has ENDED ❌

After 10 years and 45 matches unbeaten on there, the streak is over.

Carlos Alcaraz is the first to beat Djokovic on Centre Court since Andy Murray in 2013 ?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/faC1MZ3lEU

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 16, 2023

There were questions over how well Alcaraz would do in the grass court season this year with his new status, however after winning the title at Queen’s and Wimbledon he has made that clear.

“I have fallen in love with grass right now,” said Alcaraz with a smile after winning a Wimbledon final for the ages.

Djokovic was aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of winning eight Gentlemen’s Singles titles at Wimbledon, and despite not achieving it was very complimentary to Alcaraz.

“I have to start with praises to Carlos and his team. What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out. You came up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it. Amazing,” said Djokovic.

“I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously. Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface. You played maybe one or twice. Amazing, what you did in Queen’s and congratulations to everybody in your team.”

It also brings an end to any hopes of Djokovic becoming only the third man to achieve the Calendar Slam, as he returns to the US for the first time in two years.

Carlos Alcaraz and his run to a maiden Wimbledon title

Alcaraz is the first player not called Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray to win the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles title since 2002.

Here is how he did it:

First Round – Beat Jeremy Chardy, 6-0 6-2 7-5

Second Round – Beat Alexandre Muller, 6-4 7-6(2) 6-3

Third Round – Beat Nicolas Jarry (25), 6-3 6(6)-7 6-3 7-5

Fourth Round – Beat Matteo Berrettini, 3-6 6-3 6-3 6-3

Quarter-final – Beat Holger Rune (6), 7-6(3) 6-4 6-4

Semi-final – Beat Daniil Medvedev (3), 6-3 6-3 6-3

Final – Beat Novak Djokovic (2), 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4

The first man not named Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray to win the #Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles since 2002.@CarlosAlcaraz ? pic.twitter.com/RAzrGluV2q

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023