Alcaraz ends Djokovic streak in classic to claims Wimbledon crown as the Spanish beat the veteran 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the final.
The 20-year-old becomes the third-youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open Era and adds a second major title to his record after winning the US Open last year.
What happened
World No.1 Alcaraz prevailed after nearly five hours on Centre Court, and it was one of the best finals in ages.
Alcaraz came from a set down against arguably the greatest tennis player in history performing at the peak of his powers.
Nole was bidding to level Margaret Court for the most grand slam singles titles of all time and Roger Federer on eight for the most Wimbledon men’s singles titles.
Set 1
The Serbian ace produced a masterful first set as he wept clear of his opponent.
Djokovic converted two of his six break points to deliver an early statement. Alcaraz could not fight against such a strong and experienced Nole, who dropped serve just three times on his road to the final.
In the opening game, Nole faced just one break point in the set. The 20-year-old won 28 of 36 points at the net during the semi-final against Daniil Medvedev but struggled in the final, wining the point twice.
Set Two, Alcaraz 7-6(6)
However, Alcaraz stunned everyone as he appeared to settle and worked his way back into the contest.
Alcaraz became the first player to defeat Djokovic in a tie-break at a major since Enzo Couacaud in the second round of January’s Australian Open.
The Serbian dropped serve for the fourth time across his Wimbledon run. Still, it remained on course to notch his third break of Alcaraz’s serve in the following game, before crucially outlasting his younger opponent in a mesmerizing 29-shot rally when break point down at 1-2, 30/40.
Set Three, Alcaraz 6-1
Buoyed by his tie-break triumph, Alcaraz carried the momentum through to the third set as he continued showcasing his shotmaking repertoire. His forehand power and some stunning deft touches kept the pressure on Djokovic, who made 18 unforced errors in an uncharacteristic third-set performance.
Alcaraz had opened up a 3-1 lead with a single break when one of the games of this year’s tournament, featuring 13 deuces, played out across 27 breathtaking minutes on Centre Court. Alcaraz saved eight-game points and Djokovic six break points before the Spaniard converted his seventh to take a 4-1 lead and assume complete control of the set.
The end of the set was far less complicated for Alcaraz, who won eight of the final 10 points to move within one group of becoming just the fifth man in the Open Era to win multiple major titles before turning 21. His three breaks of Djokovic’s serve in the third set equaled the number of games the Serbian had dropped across his six previous matches this year at SW19, indicating how dialled in the 20-year-old was on return.
Set Four, Djokovic 6-3
Djokovic did not give up as he attempted for his 24th major, and the Serbian raised his game again in the fourth set of what was rapidly becoming an all-time classic final on Centre Court. He recovered from 15/40 to hold in the second game but then rediscovered his rock-solid form from the first set, breaking Alcaraz twice to recapture the momentum and set up a one-set shootout for the title.
Having dropped serve three times in the previous set, The upturn in Djokovic’s service game was key to him returning to the match. The Serbian saved both break points he faced to prevail in a set in which he struck just nine winners to Alcaraz’s 14.
Set Five, Alcaraz 6-4
With an opponent so used to dealing with high-pressure moments at the tail end of Grand Slam finals, Alcaraz faced a real test of his big-stage nerve on Centre Court. The Spaniard let slip a breakpoint in the opening game and then found himself under pressure in the rally at 30/40 down in the next game. At such a pivotal moment, Alcaraz’s athletic ability while chasing a wide ball came to his rescue, as he forced Djokovic to net a forehand drive volley on a high ball.
That persistence brought greater reward in the next game, as Alcaraz broke through himself for the crucial break of the final set. Frustrated, Djokovic struck the net post with his racquet and spent a few minutes shaking out his wrist as a consequence, and Alcaraz dropped just five further points on serve in the match as he completed a famous victory.
