Tennis - History is at stake: Interesting facts about Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz. The record Grand Slam tournament winner (37) against the youngest No. 1 in tennis history (21). The No. 2 against the No. 3 in the world. In the Wimbledon Final on Sunday (3:00 PM/Prime) this encounter is repeated from the previous year. Here are the key questions and answers.
What encounters between Djokovic and Alcaraz have there been?
In the high-class Wimbledon Final last year, Alcaraz won in five sets and ended Djokovic's series of 34 wins. In total, they have met five times, with Djokovic winning three times. The Wimbledon Final 2023 is the only encounter on grass so far. The other encounter at Grand Slam level was decided by Djokovic at the French Open on clay in 2023, where Alcaraz held only two games and was physically drained and ultimately helpless.
What role does Djokovic's knee play?
The knee injury from the French Open made a Wimbledon start for Djokovic unlikely. It's been over five weeks since he underwent surgery. But the time was enough for his knee to withstand the strain. "It's surreal to be standing here for the tenth time in the Wimbledon Final," admitted the Serb. In a disappointing season so far, he reached his first final of the year just short after his meniscus injury, which he suffered at the French Open.
What speaks for Djokovic?
Experience. It will be his 37th Grand Slam final - one of many records he holds. He improved round by round. The Serbian tennis star saved energy during the week because his quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur was canceled due to injury.
His chances of expanding his Grand Slam collection in the Future may be less. The motivation is particularly great. With the eighth Wimbledon title, he can tie Roger Federer. With the 25th Grand Slam title, he can secure the all-time record from the Australian Margaret Court and also leave the record holders among the women behind. "History is on the line," said Djokovic.
What speaks for Alcaraz?
In his three Grand Slam finals, the Spaniard is still undefeated. He seems made for the big moments of sport. Before his Wimbledon coup last year, he crowned himself US Open champion. At the French Open last month, he prevented the first Grand Slam title for Alexander Zverev.
He found a solution in Wimbledon even when it didn't go smoothly. "Carlos is different from many players. We all have our preferences - some prefer defense, some prefer counter-attack, some are more aggressive. He can do it all," explained the defeated semifinalist Daniil Medvedev.
What does Djokovic say?
"He's deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we've ever seen in this sport. We'll see a lot from him in the future, no question. He'll win many more Grand Slams," praised Djokovic his opponent: "But in the future, when I retire - I'm joking, I'm joking," said the 37-year-old with a laugh.
What does Alcaraz say?
"I know what I have to do. I'm sure he knows what he has to do to beat me. It will be a really interesting match," said the 21-year-old. "But I'm ready to accept this challenge, and I'm ready to do well."
How does the world rankings look?
The world rankings remain unchanged after Wimbledon, regardless of how the final turns out. The Italian Jannik Sinner, who was eliminated in the quarterfinals, remains No. 1. Djokovic and Alcaraz remain in second and third place, with Zverev in fourth.
- Despite being 37, Novak Djokovic will face the youngest No. 1 in tennis history, Carlos Alcaraz, in the Wimbledon Final on Sunday.
- In their past encounters, Djokovic has emerged victorious three times, with their most recent meeting being at Wimbledon last year where Alcaraz claimed victory in five sets.
- Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery five weeks ago, is optimistic about his chances in the Wimbledon Final in London, citing his experience and improved form as advantages.
- If Djokovic wins, he could tie Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and move closer to Margaret Court's all-time Grand Slam title record of 25.
- Alcaraz, who is undefeated in his three Grand Slam finals, brings his versatile playstyle and ability to excel in big moments to the table.
- Alcaraz's recent performances at Wimbledon and the French Open, where he prevented Alexander Zverev from clinching his first Grand Slam title, indicate his readiness for the challenge.
- After Wimbledon, the world rankings will remain the same, with the Italian Jannik Sinner at No. 1, followed by Djokovic and Alcaraz in second and third place, respectively.
- Despite Djokovic's high praise for Alcaraz, he remains focused on securing his own place in tennis history in the upcoming Wimbledon Final of dreams in Paris.
