Novak Djokovic went down to Carlos Alcaraz in a second consecutive Wimbledon final on Sunday as the Spaniard imposed a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) defeat on the veteran Serb.
The 21-year-old winner claimed his fourth title at a Grand Slam from as many finals as he powered past Djokovic – playing his 10th final here – in two and a half hours.
Alcaraz becomes the eighth man to sweep his first four career singles finals at the majors.
The sixth man to complete the Roland Garros clay and Wimbledon grass double in the same season, was presented the trophy by Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
Djokovic remains stalled on 24 Grand Slam trophies, with Alcaraz denying the 37-year-old the chance to make history by claiming an all-time best of 25.
The match was a re-run of a year ago where Alcaraz worked for four and three-quarter hours to win in five sets against the seven time champion here.
The Spaniard clambered into his player box to celebrate with his team. Djokovic won his Grand Slam in September at the US Open. Of his 13 losing finals at the majors, Djokovic has lost six in straight sets.
Alcaraz said closing out the win was tough but well worth the battle.
“It’s a dream to win Wimbledon again,” the 21-year-old said. “I want to keep going .
He said that life got difficult leading two sets, 5-4 and 40-0 up when he failed to convert on a trio of match points.
“Novak is an unbelievable fighter, I knew he would take his chances. I tried to win the points with serve, but that was not possible.
“I tried to play my best tennis and stay positive in the situation. I’m glad I was able to find a solution in the end. “
Djokovic paid tribute to the winner,
“This was not the result I wanted, my first couple of sets were not up to par. Credit to carlos for playing complete tennis
“I tried to push him but it wasn’t meant to be. He’s a deserved winner today, so huge congratulations to him.”
Djokovic, a finalist here every year since 2018, added: “I have to be a little bit proud even if I’m disappointed right now.
“When I reflect on the last four or five weeks and what I’ve been through (keyhole knee surgery a month before the Wimbledon start) I have to say I’m very satisfied.
‘Wimbledon has always been a childhood dream of mine. I’m living my dream every time I step onto court. here.”
The match got away to a slow start, with Djokovic broken after saving four break points in a 14-minute game stretching over 20 points.
Alcaraz quickly pounced on his chances, earning a 5-1 margin and wrapping up the early lead on his second set point after 41 minutes as Djokovic hit the net with a return.
Third seed Alcaraz continued to dominate in the second set, opening with a break of serve and running out a two-set lead with a second break for 5-2 before serving for 6-2.
Djokovic lifted his level to stay on serve in the third set until Alcaraz sizzled over a passing winner to take a 5-4 lead on a break.
The Spanish talent was unable to close it out immediately, blowing three match points as he lost serve for the first time of the afternoon.
The third match point was marred as a fan called out during play, appearing to distract the Spaniard, who then sent a forehand into the net for 5-all.
The set moved into a tiebreaker, where Alcaraz came good on his fourth winning chance.
Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz with Wimbledon Men’s singles trophy by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
