2023-07-16 21:19:00
For 10 years, no one might find a way to Novak Djokovic on Center Court at Wimbledon. The 36-year-old has won the tournament seven times, including the last four editions. His incredible streak was interrupted by Carlos Alcaraz. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who has so far excelled on clay and hard courts, has shown that he can also be very successful on grass. Looking at his game in London this year, you have to add grass to the mix. The famous Serbian, who has not lost on the local central court for 10 years, defeated 1:6, 7:6, 6:1, 3:6, 6:4. He made the audience fall in love with him, and the Sunday rival might not stop praising him.
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Alcaraz showed with this performance at Wimbledon that he learns quickly from mistakes. A month ago, he faced Djokovic in the semi-finals of Roland Garros. For the first two sets, they created a great spectacle, but then the 20-year-old fell from strength and had big problems with cramps. On Sunday, the first set didn’t quite work out for him, but then he shone. And scored in the most important moments. And it was only his third appearance in this event.
“He surprised everyone how quickly he adapted to playing on grass this year. Slajs, biting returns, playing at the net – it’s very impressive. I didn’t expect him to play so well on this surface this year. But he confirmed that he is the best tennis player in the world – the Serb admitted at a press conference.
For several years there has been a debate regarding the dominance of the so-called The Big Three, whose members only occasionally lost in the Grand Slam competition with representatives of the younger generation. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic dominated the field for years, each shining in their own way. Alcaraz seems to be a certain link here.
“People have been discussing for the last 12 months that he got some elements of the game from Roger, Rafa and me. I would agree with that. He took the best of these three worlds. He has great mental toughness and maturity. For a 20-year-old, that’s impressive. He has the Spanish bull mentality when it comes to competition and prowess that we’ve seen over the years with Rafa. I see some resemblance to mine in his backhand. Two-handed backhand, defense, adaptability. This has been my strength for many years,” the Serb points out.
He faced Federer and Nadal many times, and Alcaraz only three times, but there is no doubt regarding the uniqueness of the 20-year-old.
– I’ve never played with someone like him. Roger and Rafa have their strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete tennis player. He has incredible adaptability which is key to a longevity and successful career on all surfaces.”
When one of the journalists asked him if he thought this was the beginning of a great rivalry between him and the 16-year-younger Spaniard, the world’s second-leader smiled at the beginning.
– For my own good, I hope. He will still be on tour for a while. I don’t know how long I’ll be in it. We’ve only played three times so far. These were very tight meetings. Two of them this year in the final stage of the Grand Slam. I hope we will play together in the US Open. Why not? It mightn’t be better for our sport than when the number one and two in the world go head-to-head in a nearly five-hour five-set thriller.”
He had his ups and downs in this tight match. He made an impressive return to the game following a weak third set. Do you regret any moment in this meeting?
– Tie-break of the second set. My backhand was failing me then. He should do better in a few trades. I had my chances. But kudos to him for his fighting, his unbelievable defense and the passing that gave him a break in game five. He definitely deserved this win,” Djokovic said.
Twice in this game he was cautioned by the referee. Most of all, attention was drawn when, following losing the third set, he angrily hit the post with his racket.
– It was a matter of frustration. I had break points in the second game. Some tough moves. He played amazing, which was enough to break me in the fifth game. I had a timeout warning before. It’s not a glorious moment, but you have to accept it.
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