Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic to Defend Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, triumphed over Novak Djokovic in straight sets to secure his fourth Grand Slam title at the 2024 Wimbledon men’s singles final. Alcaraz dominated the match with a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory, successfully defending his Wimbledon crown.
This final was a rematch of last year’s championship, which Alcaraz won in five sets. This year, in front of a crowd that included Kate, the Princess of Wales, Alcaraz faced fewer challenges, although he stumbled momentarily when holding three match points in the third set.
Despite this brief hiccup, Alcaraz regained his composure to win his second major trophy in a row, following his French Open triumph last month. The Spaniard, who won his first Slam at the 2022 U.S. Open, now holds four Grand Slam titles before turning 22, a record unmatched by any man in history.
Djokovic, 37, who was seeking his eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th major overall, was not at his best. Wearing a grey sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, Djokovic struggled to keep up with Alcaraz’s pace and precision. The Serbian veteran tore his meniscus at Roland Garros and underwent surgery in early June, impacting his performance.
Alcaraz’s victory was marked by a moment of tension when he squandered a championship point, allowing Djokovic to break his serve and level the score. However, Alcaraz remained undeterred, winning the tiebreaker to clinch the title. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and others were among the first to celebrate with him after the match.
The match began with a highly competitive first game, lasting nearly 14 minutes with seven deuces and 20 points. Both players showcased their skills, but Alcaraz’s resilience and powerful returns set the tone for the rest of the match.
Alcaraz’s achievement solidifies his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars, with a perfect 4-0 record in major finals. Djokovic’s quest for another Wimbledon title and a record-setting Grand Slam count will have to wait as he continues to recover from his recent surgery.