Two great competitors from different generations will fight in Sunday’s Wimbledon final. Novak Djokovic will chase his 25th Major crown only five weeks after undergoing a knee procedure in Paris, showing his incredible resistance and desire again.
On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz is looking to win his fourth Major crown at 21 and defend the All England Club trophy. Carlos defeated Novak in last year’s Wimbledon final, and the Serb hopes for a different outcome tomorrow.
Djokovic praised Alcaraz and his achievements, predicting many more Major trophies for the Spanish ace. However, Novak would love to see them coming after he retires in 15 years, joking during his press conference following the semi-final win over Lorenzo Musetti.
Djokovic booked a place in his 37th Major final at 37 following a 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 triumph over the Italian.
The young gun fought well in his first Major semi-final, breaking Novak two times but dropping serve four times from 13 chances offered to Djokovic.
The veteran felt comfortable at the net, rushing forward over 50 times and controlling the pace. Novak led 5-2 in the opening set before experiencing a break while serving for it at 5-3. Still, Djokovic delivered another break in the tenth game to wrap up the first part of the duel.
Lorenzo led 3-1 in the second set before Novak pulled the break back in game six. The Italian defended a set point on serve in the 12th game before the Serb clinched a tie break with a smash winner for a massive advantage. Novak grabbed a break in the first game of the third set and served well for a 5-3 lead.
Musetti faced three match points on serve in the ninth game, saving them and rattling off five points to prolong the battle. Djokovic served for the win at 5-4 and faced a break point.
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Novak Djokovic joked with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of their Wimbledon final.
The veteran saved it and converted the fourth match point, reaching his tenth Wimbledon final from the previous 13 trips to London!
Carlos Alcaraz was only eight when Novak battled in his first Wimbledon final in 2011. Now, the young gun will challenge the legend in the All England Club title clash for the second straight year after ousting Daniil Medvedev 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in just under three hours.
Carlos made a slow start, overcoming the deficit but dropping the opener. Alcaraz raised his level from the second set, serving well and leaving world no. 5 behind. The young Spaniard faced three break points and failed to defend any.
The defending champion claimed 38% of the return points and converted six out of 15 break points, enough to emerge at the top. Carlos experienced a couple of rough moments but stayed competitive, landing 52 winners and 35 unforced errors to outplay his opponent.
A year ago, Alcaraz and Djokovic played a thrilling Wimbledon final, with the Spaniard prevailing 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in four hours and 42 minutes.
Thus, Alcaraz lifted his second Major crown and became the third-youngest Wimbledon champion at 20! Two rivals competed in challenging conditions on Centre Court, with 34 break chances and ten breaks of serve, five on each side.
Carlos landed 60 winners and welcomed Novak’s 50 unforced errors. Djokovic responded with more forced mistakes, battling until the end but missing a chance to lift his eighth Wimbledon trophy. The youngster bounced back after a slow start and showed his clutch in set number two.
Alcaraz denied a set point that could have sent him far behind and gained a massive boost. The Spaniard was the only player on the court in the third set, winning a record-breaking extended game and moving closer to the finish line.
Novak responded in the fourth set, clinching it 6-3 and forcing a decider, becoming the favorite due to his vast experience. However, Carlos made a fresh start and clinched an early break.
The Spaniard served well in the remaining games, sealing the deal with a hold at 5-4 and celebrating his second Major title at such a young age. A year later, Carlos and Novak passed all the challenges to arrange another title clash.
Djokovic underwent a knee procedure in Paris after withdrawing from Roland Garros, recovering in time for Wimbledon and defeating five rivals en route to his tenth All England Club final. Alcaraz lifted his third Major title at Roland Garros in June, gaining confidence ahead of Wimbledon.
The Spaniard survived a couple of scary moments during his campaign in the previous two years, standing strong and booking a place in his second Wimbledon final. If he wins the title on Sunday, Alcaraz will become the youngest winner of a ‘Channel Slam.’
“We will see a lot of Carlos in the future; he will win many more Major titles. Hopefully, I can stop him in two days. Carlos can win more titles when I retire in 15 years,” Novak Djokovic said.