4 min read
The match we’ve all been waiting for, again: 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic against ATP world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday.
“It's an ultimate showdown. Everything comes down to one match. All eyes of the tennis and sports world will be directed on this
Let’s break down the blockbuster title match with help from Universal Tennis INSIGHTS.
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (UTR Rating 16.41) vs. (2) Novak Djokovic (16.39)
Five weeks ago, the tennis world was in a similar place as it is today – salivating over what promised to be a memorable Alcaraz vs. Djokovic matchup in the Roland Garros semifinals.
The first two sets delivered on entertainment as the two champions traded sets. But cramps from nervous tension hampered Alcaraz for the rest of the match, and Djokovic went on to win in four and later clinch his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title.
Blockbuster 🏆@carlosalcaraz and @DjokerNole coming soon... 🔜#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Z0ZTEt8W3Q
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2023
Will Sunday produce a different result? The nerves will be there again for Alcaraz, who will be competing in his first Wimbledon final and only second Grand Slam final (also the 2022 US Open). Alcaraz, however, said he’s prepared for the moment.
“I will fight. I will believe in myself that I can beat him here,” he said. “I’m ready for this.”
Sunday 16 July. Centre Court. No.1 vs No.2.#Wimbledon | @carlosalcaraz | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/DWTjbrwr1u
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2023
The Spaniard routed 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3 6-3 in the semifinals on Friday to reach his first Grand Slam final of the year.
Djokovic will be competing in his ninth Wimbledon final and 35th Grand Slam title match (23-11). No one has made more Grand Slam finals, with only Roger Federer having played in more Wimbledon finals (12).
“I do have more experience playing in many more Grand Slam or Wimbledon finals than
Save for a rare hindrance call, Djokovic also hardly seemed bothered in his semifinal, beating Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). The Serbian and Alcaraz have faced off one other time, a three-set win by Alcaraz that also took place on clay, the surface Alcaraz grew up playing on. But, as Djokovic noted, the Spaniard has enjoyed success on all surfaces, much like Djokovic has throughout his historic career.
“He's been incredibly successful in adapting to the surfaces and demands and challenges of opponents on a given day. I see this as a great trait, as a great virtue,” Djokovic said. “I see this as one of my biggest strengths throughout my career, that I was able to constantly develop, adapt, and adjust my game depending on the challenges.”
Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title in 2011, at the ripe old age of 24. Alcaraz is still only 20 and is the fourth-youngest man in the Open Era to reach a Wimbledon final.
Universal Tennis INSIGHTS predicts Alcaraz's run will continue on Sunday. In a near toss-up, INSIGHTS gives Alcaraz a 51% chance of denying Djokovic his eighth Wimbledon title. The 36-year-old, however, will be ready for the fight.
“Ambition is always the highest for me: always to win the title. It's not changing regardless of the place in history books,” Djokovic said. “I still feel goosebumps and butterflies and nerves coming into every single match. So I'm going to be coming into Sunday's final like it's my first, to be honest. I don't want to approach that finals in any more relaxed way than I have previous ones, meaning the intention needs to be clear. Goal and approach will be as serious and professional as it has been always.”