Carlos Alcaraz has powered to victory over an out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic to retain his men’s singles title at Wimbledon.
Although the players on show made this a repeat of last year’s final, it failed to live up to the five-set thriller of 12 months ago as Djokovic appeared mostly helpless against the dominant Spaniard.
Despite squandering three championship points when trying to serve out a rapid victory, Alcaraz found focus again and held his arms aloft after battling through the third-set tie-break for a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win.
“Honestly, it is a dream for me winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz, who was presented with the trophy by the Princess of Wales.
“I did an interview when I was 11 and I said my dream is to win Wimbledon.”
Gracious in defeat, Djokovic shared a smile and warm embrace with Alcaraz at the net after his comprehensive loss.
For a second straight year, Djokovic was attempting to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles.
The 24-time major winner was also trying to move ahead of Margaret Court to take sole ownership of the all-time record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.
As tradition now dictates, Alcaraz climbed up to the players’ box and was leapt upon by his team and family, celebrating a 14th consecutive match win at Wimbledon.
The result continues the four-time major winner’s 100% record in Grand Slam finals, while he becomes the youngest man to win at Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.
Alcaraz was hoping it would be a day of double Spanish celebrations, too, with the national football team taking on England in the Euro 2024 final in the evening.
