The result will also spark feverish speculation over the start of a generational shift, with 36-year-old Djokovic carrying the torch of the ‘Big Three’ now that Roger Federer is retired and Rafael Nadal is side-lined, perhaps permanently. –Fox Sport

By Roger Childs

The young Spaniard triumphs over the Serbian legend

Novak Djokovic was seeking a 24th grand slam at the All England Tennis Club and an eighth Wimbledon victory to equal Roger Federer’s record. As the six pre-final rounds unfolded, it was clear that no-one was capable of beating the Serb with the possible exception of the number one seed Carlos Alcaraz. The two had met in the semi-finals at Roland Garros in June and for two sets played sublime tennis rarely seen before. But the Spaniard developed body cramps and ultimately Djokovic cruised to an easy victory.

Leading up to Wimbledon Alcaraz honed his grass court skills in the prestigious Queens tournament which he won. His number one seeding for the English grand slam was based on his victories in the Barcelona and Madrid Masters earlier in the year. Meanwhile Djokovic was seeded two because of grand slam success in Melbourne and Paris. These rankings for Wimbledon meant that, if they survived the six early rounds, they would meet in the final.

The dream clash 

There was a sense of great expectation among the packed crowd basking in the sun around the Centre Court and they were hoping for a thrilling five setter in this battle to decide not only the Wimbledon champion but also the top ATP ranking. Alcaraz and Djokovic did not disappoint. In the first set the Serb only gave away one game, but the Spaniard settled down and evened things up when he won the second set in a tie-break.  The fifth game was the crucial one in set three with Alcaraz up 3-1 and Djokovic on serve. After 25 minutes, 13 deuces and 7 break points the Spaniard won the game and went on to take the set 6-1. In the fourth set the fifth game was again the vital one and the Serb broke the Alcaraz serve and took the set 6-3.

The crowd were being treated to a thriller and the quality of the tennis was worthy of a grand slam final. Both players served strongly and there were superb rallies with powerful groundstrokes wide, deep and tightly angled. There were many amazing retrievals and winners of explosive power, as well as delicately placed drop shots. In the final set Djokovic leading 1-0 had a break point on Alcaraz’s first service game, but couldn’t cash in. However, the Spaniard made no mistake in game three and this break of serve was enough for him to go on and win the set 6-4 and take the championship.

A match of great significance

Carlos Alcaraz became the first player other than Federer, Djokovic, Nadal and Murray to  win the gentleman’s final since 2002, and the youngest player to take the title in the 21st century. He also cemented his number one world ranking.