Deep into the deciding-set tie-breaker in Sunday’s Wimbledon remaining, Carlos Alcaraz was a mere two factors away from the title. Simply 20 minutes earlier, he had been even nearer – with three Championship factors on his serve – but panicked in essentially the most unlikely trend. Novak Djokovic lurked within the background, able to pounce as his opponent appeared able to lapse.
Alcaraz flipped that script. Main 5-4 within the ‘breaker, he adopted up a giant serve with essentially the most outrageous forehand drop shot winner. Match level got here, and this time he closed out.
Alcaraz had outplayed and overwhelmed Djokovic in all facets, nevertheless it was that second of nerveless chutzpah – towards the grain of all common sporting conference – that outlined his triumph. It confirmed how he stayed true to the audacity that has come to outline him, but additionally additional signified simply how dominant he was within the remaining.
An outrageous rally and sliding Alcaraz end 😮💨
This level needed to be immediately’s Play of the Day, introduced by @BarclaysUK#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/5TK6siGB60
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024
Djokovic problem-solves to no impact
Dare and creativity could also be Alcaraz’s hallmark, however the foundation of his efficiency on Sunday was set by his unwavering dominance from the baseline.
Not solely was Alcaraz serving and returning unusually effectively, the load of the ball coming from his aspect of the web from each forehand and backhand, and the angles he was discovering to maneuver Djokovic backward and forward – testing a knee that had been operated on 40 days in the past – had the Serb panicked. For lengthy, a commander of the baseline himself, the ageing nice problem-solved.
Djokovic started entering into the baseline and establishing the factors to complete them off on the internet. It was a good technique, to shut Alcaraz’s angles, nevertheless it got here outdone. Something aside from perfection was punished. One step too gradual to come back to the web, volleys didn’t make it to the opposite aspect of the courtroom; volleys left barely quick, Alcaraz obtained to them; volleys not closing down sufficient angles, Alcaraz discovered an not possible passing shot.
Astounding Alcaraz 🤩
The Spaniard defends his #Wimbledon title with a shocking straight units victory over Novak Djokovic, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/bEbT9HwMZh
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024
Djokovic got here to the web a whopping 53 occasions on this match and gained simply 27 of these factors. Within the first two units, he solely transformed 9 out of twenty-two internet forays. The Spaniard had him outfoxed.
Good sport
If there have been an instance to point out simply how arduous it’s to cease Alcaraz when he’s at his highest, even for a legend like Djokovic, it got here within the ninth sport of the third set.
Pattern this: a primary serve returned, and a 106mph down the road forehand winner smashed. A drive-volley passing shot to arrange break level. A second serve was punished with a giant return, adopted by a cross- courtroom backhand passing shot to win the sport.
Djokovic raised his stage and made nearly no errors; however Alcaraz would serve for the Championship.
He could have wobbled and needed to do it the arduous approach, however Sunday’s efficiency was a big stride ahead for the younger Spaniard. For him to supply such a commanding efficiency, at this stage towards such a resilient opponent, not solely underlines his standing as the very best participant on the earth, but additionally reveals simply how a lot of an urge for food he has for the large stage. He merely doesn’t waver from his attacking sensibilities, and is used to elevating his stage to match the event.
He has simply gained the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back. And at 21, there’s extra to come back.