If Carlos Alcaraz were to exercise more patience, he could bide his time for Novak Djokovic’s eventual decline. At the tender age of 20, Alcaraz possesses a 16-year age gap from the esteemed champion. It is inevitable that Djokovic will retire or experience a decline, leaving room for Alcaraz to claim the tennis kingdom as his own.
However, Alcaraz has never shown a disposition for waiting. By securing victory at the United States Open in September at the age of 19 years and 129 days, he became the youngest male player to reach the No. 1 ranking. Additionally, he became the second youngest, after Pete Sampras at 19 years and 28 days, to win that tournament in the Open era. It’s worth noting that Djokovic was absent from that event.
Now, with just one more triumph, Alcaraz could become the fifth male player in the Open era to win multiple Grand Slam titles before turning 21. What better way to achieve this than by wresting it from Djokovic’s firm grasp? In boxing, it is said that one must convincingly defeat the champion to seize the crown. The Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday could be the equivalent of a 15-round heavyweight bout on grass court.
It showcases an intriguing showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic. In the semifinals, Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, while Djokovic triumphed over Jannik Sinner in straight sets. It becomes a clash of world No. 1 versus world No. 2. Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam tournament winner with a 7-1 record in Wimbledon finals, faces off against a young Spaniard in his first Wimbledon appearance.
This match possesses immense appeal and significance for television programmers. It determines whether Djokovic extends his record of 23 Grand Slam titles, clinching his fifth consecutive Wimbledon trophy, or if the hard-hitting prodigy overcomes past nerves to claim the throne.
Alcaraz wants this victory now, and he desires to achieve it against Djokovic while millions of people watch. It is more meaningful for him to compete in a final against a legend like Novak rather than a lesser-known player like Casper Ruud, whom he faced in the U.S. Open final, which resulted in a one-sided affair.
Alcaraz explained, “It’s more special to play a final against a legend of our sport. If I win, it will be amazing for me, not only to secure a Wimbledon title but to do so against Novak. As I always say, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic have crossed paths only twice on the court, each securing victory once. Alcaraz emerged triumphant in a best-of-three clay match at the 2022 Madrid Masters. Djokovic’s victory, however, held more significance. It occurred in the French Open semifinals last month, characterized by remarkable tennis in the second set. Nevertheless, Alcaraz experienced full-body cramps, initially attributed to heat or dehydration, but later admitted they were a result of nerves.
Despite his condition, Alcaraz persevered, but what could have been a classic match became a comfortable victory for Djokovic, who proceeded to win the French Open, his second major title of the year.
Alcaraz acknowledged Djokovic’s prowess, stating, “He does nothing wrong on the court. Physically, he’s a beast. Mentally, he’s a beast.”
On Friday, after overpowering Medvedev on the court, Alcaraz promised to employ mental exercises to cope with the pressure. He expressed no fear of a repeat of his previous encounter with Djokovic. However, when he steps onto the Centre Court stage, where the audience craves historical moments, all his intellectual strategies and self-assuring mantras may prove worthless, especially against a player as talented, determined, and experienced as Djokovic.
Sunday’s match will be an unparalleled experience for Alcaraz, even compared to his previous major final against Ruud. While Alcaraz partakes in his second major final, Djokovic will be competing in his 35th. In Alcaraz’s mind, Djokovic might as well be taking out the trash.
Alcaraz expressed, “For Novak, it’s just another day, another moment. For me, it’s going to be the most glorious moment of my life, I believe.”
An intriguing element emerged a few days ago when Alcaraz’s father was spotted videotaping Djokovic during practice. Alcaraz dismissed any suggestion that this could provide him with a competitive advantage. All the insight he needs regarding Djokovic’s tactics and tendencies is readily accessible from Djokovic’s eight previous Wimbledon finals, which were televised.
When asked about this matter at a press conference, Alcaraz openly admitted to it, despite it being presented as a gotcha moment. He responded, “Oh, it’s probably true. My father is a huge tennis fan. He doesn’t just watch my matches. He arrives at the club at 11 a.m. and stays until 10 p.m., watching matches and practices from various players. So, yes, it’s probably true that he filmed Djokovic’s sessions.”
Ultimately, what occurs on Centre Court holds greater importance than practice sessions. Alcaraz demonstrated his readiness on Friday, employing a combination of powerful forehands and deft backhand slices to outmatch Medvedev, who has both defeated and been beaten by Alcaraz.
Medvedev reflected, “It’s an interesting match. It’s hard to predict the winner.”
We can confidently say that the eventual victor will be one of the two best players in the world.
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