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Alcaraz cruises past Djokovic to defend Wimbledon crown

Jonathan Davies in Wimbledon 14 Jul 2024
Alcaraz successfully defended his Wimbledon crown (PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

Carlos Alcaraz completed a successful defence of his Wimbledon title after a comprehensive straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

The Spaniard defeated the Serbian in the Centre Court showpiece for the second year in succession, as he soared to his second major title in as many months a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) winner – after landing the French Open five weeks ago.

At 21 years and 70 days, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to win at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season, while maintaining his 100 per cent record in grand slam finals.

Meanwhile, Djokovic missed out on the opportunity to land a record-breaking 25th major and record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, but was mainly helpless against his dominant opponent.

Alcaraz was slow out of the blocks in last year’s thrilling final, when he recovered from losing the opening set 6-1, while he also had to come from behind in three of his matches to reach the 2024 showpiece – against Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Daniil Medvedev.

However, the Spaniard was quickly into his stride this time around, breaking Djokovic in two of his opening three service games on the way to taking the first set 6-2.

Players winning the opening set 6-2 in each of the five previous Wimbledon men’s singles finals had gone on to lift the trophy – most recently Djokovic against Kevin Anderson in 2018.

Alcaraz grew stronger and claimed another break in Djokovic’s opening service game of the second set, which he also dominated with sheer power complimented by delightful drop shots.

The 37-year-old – aiming to become the oldest Wimbledon champion – double-faulted in game seven to hand another break to his opponent, who subsequently moved to within a set of completing the title defence.

No player had ever overturned a two-set deficit in a men’s singles final on the 29 previous occurrences at SW19.

Djokovic, appearing in his 10th Wimbledon final, simply had no answer up to that point, though he did tighten up on serve with the first eight games of the third set staying on hold.

Alcaraz’s power was too much to handle again, though, with a rasping backhand sealing a break to 15 and earning the chance to serve out victory.

Three Championship points came but went begging for the 21-year-old, as Djokovic clung on by his fingertips and eventually forced a tie-break.

However, Alcaraz was not to be denied, the Spaniard letting out a huge roar as he became the first player since compatriot Rafael Nadal in 2010 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in succession.