In a display of sportsmanship, Novak Djokovic expressed his admiration for Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon victory by saying, ‘You deserve it,’ during the post-match trophy presentation on Sunday.
In an exhilarating match on Centre Court, world number one Alcaraz secured a remarkable victory over the seven-time Wimbledon winner with a final score of 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, after an intense four hours and 42 minutes of play.
The outcome dashed 36-year-old Djokovic’s hopes of clinching a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club and securing his 24th Grand Slam crown.
‘What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out. You can up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it,’ Djokovic told his 20-year-old rival.
‘It’s a tough one to swallow when you are so close.’
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Even after experiencing his first loss on Centre Court in 10 years, Djokovic reaffirmed his strong will to keep winning Grand Slam titles.
‘I’ve been blessed with so many incredible matches throughout my career. I’m really grateful. I lost to a better player and I have to move on stronger,’ he noted after seeing his 34-match win streak at the tournament ended.
Alcaraz earned accolades from Djokovic for his exceptional performance, securing two Grand Slam titles, including a remarkable breakthrough at the US Open last year, and adding two grass titles to his name in just four tournaments on the surface.
‘I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously,’ the Serb noted.
‘I guess when all the emotions are settled I’ll have to be very grateful. I won many tight and close matches in the past here, to name a few — 2019 against Roger.’
‘Maybe I should have lost a few finals that I won so maybe this is even Stevens.’
In a remarkable feat at just 20 years old, Alcaraz now ranks as the third youngest player to secure the Wimbledon men’s singles title, following behind Boris Becker and Björn Borg. With this triumph, he clinches his second grand slam title, becoming the first new male player to achieve this since Stan Wawrinka in 2015.
Moreover, by interrupting Djokovic’s Wimbledon dominance for the past four years, he has thwarted the 36-year-old’s bid to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.