Tennis - Alcaraz dominates and triumphs over Djokovic at Wimbledon
With an impressive performance, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz triumphed at Wimbledon for the second time and shattered Novak Djokovic's hope for an all-time record. In a long, one-sided rematch of last year's final, the overwhelming 21-year-old defeated the sometimes erratic Serb 6:2, 6:2, 7:6 (7:4) and celebrated his fourth Grand Slam title.
Last year, Djokovic lost to him in five sets in the final at the Wimbledon grass-court classic on Church Road. This time, the French Open champion dominated the generational duel in the first two sets with a helpless Djokovic.
After 2 hours and 27 minutes, Alcaraz converted his fourth match point. He lost his composure briefly at 5:4 in the third set, missing three match points in a row, but then regained control and won the tiebreak to deny Djokovic his hoped-for revenge.
No 25th Grand Slam title for Djokovic
Thirty-nine days after his knee surgery, the Serbian tennis star Djokovic could have claimed his 25th Grand Slam title and set a new all-time record. However, the 37-year-old missed the opportunity to surpass Margaret Court, who collected her 24 Grand Slam titles between 1960 and 1973. The Wimbledon record for men's titles remains with the retired Swiss Roger Federer.
Alcaraz achieved the rare feat of winning a Grand Slam title on grass after his victory at the French Open in June. The titles at the US Open 2022, Wimbledon 2023 and 2024, and Roland Garros 2024 now grace his Grand Slam honors. With four victories in his first four finals at the most significant tournaments in his sport, he follows in the footsteps of tennis icon Federer, who previously accomplished this in the Open Era.
Barbora Krejcikova claimed her first title
In an unexpected final, Czech player Barbora Krejcikova held her ground against Italian Jasmine Paolini on Saturday, winning 6:2, 2:6, 6:4. She beamed with pride over her second major title in singles, following her French Open 2021 victory. Tears flowed as she read the name of her mentor Jana Novotna on the winners' podium, who passed away from cancer in 2017.
Princess Kate watches the final
Princess Kate took her seat in the Royal Box as Djokovic served. With a warm applause, she was welcomed to a much-noted public appearance a few months after her cancer diagnosis, alongside Princess Charlotte.
The atmosphere on the packed Centre Court was grand. The first game alone lasted over 14 minutes - and it should have been worse for Alcaraz. Had Alcaraz lost the first set a year ago, he took Djokovic's first service game easily this time. He was dominant from the start. The advantage was immediately on Alcaraz's side. With a double fault, Djokovic gifted the second break to his young opponent, leading 4:1.
Impressive Alcaraz
The record Grand Slam winner had envisioned his start differently. Like in the previous six rounds, a bandage covered his right knee. The meniscus injury he sustained in Paris did not prevent him from contending for the title.
The second set started like the first - with a break of Spain's number three in the world. Impressive points were scored with unreachable stop balls, direct point wins from the baseline or passing shots. The spectacular points were mainly provided by the youngster, who also returned strongly and allowed almost nothing at his own serve. Even Djokovic clapped acknowledgingly.
The Serb hadn't had his best day and faltered unusually in crucial moments. A volley error initiated the next break, followed by another double fault for a 2:5 score. After 75 minutes, the Spaniard led 2:0 sets.
In the third set, Djokovic raised his level. It was finally an evenly matched final. As the decisive phase approached, Alcaraz pulled ahead once more. With a backhand passing shot, he secured the break, but then had to go to a tiebreak.
- The victory at Wimbledon marked Carlos Alcaraz's second title at the prestigious tournament, surpassing players from the United Kingdom and Germany who have also made significant contributions to the sport.
- Despite the loss, Novak Djokovic still holds the record for most titles at Wimbledon, a feat he shares with players from the United Kingdom and Sweden.
- Meanwhile, in the women's singles, Margaret Court from Australia continues to hold the record for the most Grand Slam titles, a feat she achieved during her dominant era in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Aside from Wimbledon, Roland Garros is another prestigious Grand Slam tournament that has seen several notable winners, including Rafael Nadal from Spain and Björn Borg from Sweden.
- Barbora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic added another title to her resume, winning the women's doubles at Roland Garros alongside her partner, Katerina Siniakova, in 2018.
- The Duchess of Cambridge, also known as Catherine, attended the Wimbledon final, marking her first public appearance since her diagnosis with severe morning sickness.
