The Conqueror: Carlos Alcaraz blows away Novak Djokovic to retain Wimbledon title

London, July 14

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 7-6(4) in the Wimbledon final here today to collect his fourth Grand Slam title at the age of 21. It was a rematch of last year’s championship match on the grass of the All England Club, which Alcaraz won in five sets.

This one — played in front of a Centre Court crowd that included Kate, the Princess of Wales, in a rare public appearance since announcing she has cancer — was much easier for Alcaraz, at least until he stumbled while holding three match points as he served for the victory at 5-4 in the third set.

Still, Alcaraz regrouped and eventually picked up a second Major trophy in a row after last month’s triumph on the clay at the French Open.

The Spaniard won his first Slam title at the 2022 US Open as a teenager, and no man ever has collected more Slam hardware before turning 22 than he has. He improved to 4-0 in Major finals.

The 37-year-old Djokovic, wearing a gray sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, was denied in his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th Major overall. He tore his meniscus at Roland Garros on June 3 and had an operation in Paris two days later. Less than six weeks later, Djokovic was hardly at his best today — and Alcaraz certainly had something to do with that.

“Especially in the first couple of sets, the level of tennis wasn’t really up to par on my side,” said Djokovic, whose two children were in his guest box. “He had it all today. I tried to push him. … It wasn’t meant to be.”

Alcaraz was up 5-4, 40-love in the third set when the occasion got the better of him. He frittered away his first championship point with a double-fault, beginning a run of five mistakes by him that donated points — and that game — to Djokovic. That was the only time all match that Djokovic broke Alcaraz. Suddenly, it was 5-all. Suddenly, Alcaraz appeared rattled. Suddenly, Djokovic could hope. But in the ensuing tiebreaker, Alcaraz earned his fourth match point and stayed cool as can be this time. Soon he was climbing through the stands to hug his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and others.

“It’s a dream for me, winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz, who became the ninth man to retain his Wimbledon title in the professional era. “This is the most beautiful tournament, most beautiful court and most beautiful trophy.” — Agencies