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Alcaraz destroys Djokovic's dream of beating Court mark

3 minute read

Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his Wimbledon men's title, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets with a devastating display on Centre Court.

Carlos Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz. Picture: AAP Image

Carlos Alcaraz has destroyed Novak Djokovic's dream of a record-breaking 25th grand slam triumph, outclassing the seven-time champion in a Wimbledon final that had an unmistakable feeling of a tennis changing of the guard.

Djokovic's hopes of surpassing Australian Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slams were simply dismantled by the dazzling Spaniard, who was on a wholly different plane as he blitzed his way to a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) triumph on Sunday.

Twelve months after Alcaraz had outlasted the great Serb in a five-set classic on Centre Court, this time the young Spaniard cemented his fresh dominance at the grass-court slam with a much more one-sided victory, but just as magnificent.

From the moment he won the first game of the match, a 14-minute, seven-deuce affair, to break Djokovic at the fifth time of asking, the former champion, just five weeks since having surgery on a torn meniscus, looked all of his 37 years as he was taken to the cleaners by a phenomenon winning his fourth grand slam at only 21.

Outplayed, there was just one flicker of major resistance from the old warrior Djokovic when, three match points down at 5-4 with Alcaraz serving for the Championship, the Spaniard blinked, serving up a double fault and tightening with the winning line tantalisingly in his grasp.

But the reprieve, as Djokovic broke back unfeasibly, was merely temporary. Alcaraz was back to his sublime best again in the tie-break, which he decorated with an amazing half-volley pick up at the net and an exquisite forehand drop shot that earned him a fourth match point.

This time, there was no way back for Djokovic as he hit his backhand service return into the net to allow Alcaraz to add a second Wimbledon title to the French Open crown he won just a month ago in Paris.

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