How challenger Carlos Alcaraz can defeat the big favorite and what mental feat the only 20-year-old Spaniard has to accomplish in the final.
London. Novak Djoković looked quite surprised at this question. And rightly so. He was asked if he was the favorite for the Wimbledon title. And even if there is still a hard chunk waiting in the final on Sunday (3 p.m. CEST, live Sky) with Carlos Alcaraz – the favorite in a Grand Slam tournament in the recent past has never been clearer than this year in the grass classic in the All England Club . Djoković has now won 34 games in a row at Wimbledon, he has won all of the most recent four editions, and the course of the tournament so far, most recently the convincing three-set win in the semifinals over Jannik Sinner, gave not the slightest reason to doubt this supremacy. With another title, he would even catch up with Wimbledon record champion Roger Federer (eight successes).
“I mean, I don’t want to sound arrogant, but of course I would see myself as a favourite,” Djoković replied. After saying goodbye to Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, the 36-year-old said, referring to the younger generation who are doing everything they can to replace him: “I know they want to win. But it’s still not happening.”
How paralyzed
What benefits the Serb is that he no longer has to deal with Federer (end of career) and Rafael Nadal (due to injury with an uncertain comeback). Rival number one is Carlos Alcaraz, the only 20-year-old Spaniard who, despite an impressive performance in the semifinals (6: 3, 6: 3, 6: 3 over Daniil Medvedev) against Djoković, just on grass and at his final premiere in Wimbledon, additionally has to cope with the size of the task.
As a reminder: Alcaraz, who was completely carefree at the time, defeated Djoković right away in the first meeting last year, but in the second duel five weeks ago in the semifinals of the French Open it all became too much for him: nervousness and tension led to cramps all over his body, one completely new situation for the young star. He openly admitted that his opponent’s aura influenced his problems on this big stage. “If someone plays against Djoković and says they don’t feel any tension, then they are lying,” said Alcaraz. After all, the experience should help him to deal better with the showdown in front of 15,000 spectators on Wimbledon’s Center Court today.
Carlos Alcaraz on Center Court. APA
Djoković has not been defeated on this court since 2013 (he suffered the sensational defeat in 2016 against Sam Querrey on Court 1). “Everyone knows what legend he is,” said final opponent Alcaraz. “It’s going to be really difficult. But I will fight. I’ll believe in myself, I’ll believe I can beat him here.” A number that speaks for the Spaniard’s fearlessness and his much-improved turf game: Against Medvedev he decided to serve and volley 20 times and won 17 the point.
In addition to his well-known defensive qualities and his strong nerves on the way to the final, Djoković’s serve strength was particularly noticeable. In his six games to date, he has won 100 of his 103 service games and saved 16 of his opponents’ 19 break chances.
For the Serbs, however, it could be highly emotional again. In Paris, Djoković was the only record Grand Slam winner ahead of Nadal with his 23rd title. If he now also wins in Wimbledon, he would probably be uncatchable from Nadal (22 titles). And: Because Djoković has already won the Australian Open this year, in the case of the Wimbledon title he would have a great chance of the first “Grand Slam”, i.e. winning all four major tournaments in one calendar year, in August US Open travel. Only Rod Laver in 1969 has managed this feat. (joe)
2023-07-15 14:37:44
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