Alcaraz beats Djokovic in Wimbledon final after late plot twist

Alcaraz beats Djokovic in Wimbledon final after late plot twist
Spaniard successfully defends SW19 title for fourth major crown

July 14, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
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Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
By Andy West
One potential disaster averted, and Carlos Alcaraz is a two-time Wimbledon champion.

The Spaniard held off a late rally from Novak Djokovic to complete a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) triumph on Sunday and successfully defend his title at the grass major. Alcaraz let slip three championship points from 5-4, 40/0 in the third set as Djokovic threatened to kick-start a comeback, but the 21-year-old held firm in the subsequent tie-break to complete an ultimately dominant win on Centre Court.

“It is a dream for me, winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz at the trophy ceremony. “In an interview when I was 11 or 12 years old I said my dream was to win Wimbledon, so I am repaying my dream. I want to keep going but it is a great feeling to play in this beautiful court and to lift this amazing trophy. This is the most beautiful tournament, most beautiful court and most beautiful trophy.”

If Alcaraz’s 2023 five-set win against Djokovic was an epic scrap to earn his first taste of glory at the All England Club, Sunday’s encounter was, for the most part, more akin to a procession straight to the top of the Wimbledon mountain. He dominated the seven-time champion Djokovic, who had impressed during his run to the final after undergoing knee surgery only last month, from the opening game on Centre Court. Alcaraz converted five of 14 break points he earned in a stunning performance on return.