Wimbledon 2023: Victory over Djokovic is dream come true, says Alcaraz

Wimbledon 2023: Victory over Djokovic is dream come true, says Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz says his epic victory on Sunday in the Wimbledon singles final is a “dream come true”.

The 20-year-old Spaniard beat seven-time champion Novak Djokovic 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 on All England Club Centre.

The victory earned him a first Wimbledon title and denied Djokovic an eighth title and a 24th Grand Slam – both of which would have been record-equalling feats.

“It’s amazing for a boy… 20 years old. I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast,” Alcaraz said.

“Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true!”

He added, “Even if I lost, I would have been proud of myself. To be able to play in these stages of these occasions – as a boy of 20 years old – is really fast.

“I’m really proud of myself.”

Alcaraz, who won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, celebrated by falling flat on his face after taking his first match point and kicking a ball into the crowd.

Down a set and struggling simply to avoid embarrassment, Alcaraz rediscovered his unique combination of speed, power and touch and figured out the subtleties of grass-court tennis at the nick of time, reports the BBC News.

He clawed his way back into the match in an epic 90-minute second set in which he was a point away from what figured to be an insurmountable two-set deficit.

He seized control of the match midway through the third set, gaining a crucial second break of Djokovic’s often unbreakable serve during a game that included 13 deuces.

He teetered in the fourth set as Djokovic steadied himself and rediscovered the magical footwork that has long served as the foundation of his success.

But Alcaraz rose once more to claim victory, not only overcoming Djokovic’s seemingly endless skills and talents but breaking his spirit, too.