Wimbledon 2023 Men’s Final HIGHLIGHTS: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in five-set thriller, wins maiden title at The Championships

Catch Sportstar’s highlights from the 2023 Wimbledon men’s final in which Carlos Alcaraz beat four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his maiden title at The Championships.

Updated : Jul 17, 2023 00:39 IST

Winner Carlos Alcaraz (left) alongside runner-up Novak Djokovic (right) during the trophy presentation after the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday.
Winner Carlos Alcaraz (left) alongside runner-up Novak Djokovic (right) during the trophy presentation after the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
lightbox-info

Winner Carlos Alcaraz (left) alongside runner-up Novak Djokovic (right) during the trophy presentation after the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the Wimbledon 2023 men’s singles final in which Carlos Alcaraz beat four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his maiden title at The Championships. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfolded on Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.

(* denotes server)

  • July 16, 2023 23:53
    See you at US Open

    When will US Open 2023 be played?

  • July 16, 2023 23:43
    Records Alcaraz set with his maiden Wimbledon title

    3 - Alcaraz is just the third Spanish man after Manuel Santana (1966) and Rafael Nadal (2008, 2010) to win Wimbledon.

    3 - Alcaraz is the third-youngest men’s champion at Wimbledon after Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker.

    4 - He is the fourth Spanish player to win multiple Grand Slam titles, after Nadal, Santana and Sergi Bruguera.

    5 - Alcaraz is the fifth man in the Open Era to win multiple Grand Slam titles prior to turning 21 – after Mats Wilander (4 Grand Slam titles prior to turning 21), Borg (3), and Becker and Nadal (both 2).

  • July 16, 2023 23:37
    From one Spanish champion to another
  • July 16, 2023 23:35
    Alcaraz’s Speech

    “It’s a dream come true for me. ... For a boy, 20 years old, I didn’t expect to reach these situations really, really fast. I’m really proud of myself.”

    Being able to play in this stages. It is amazing.”

    “I’m fully in love with grass right now.”

  • July 16, 2023 23:32
    Djokovic’s speech

    To Alcaraz: “You came out with some big serves and some big plays. You deserve it. Congratulations! I thought I had trouble with you only on clay and hard court but not on grass. Well done!”

    “Obviously, it is a different story from this year onwards”

    Reflects on the match: “I guess when all the emotions are settled, I have to still be very grateful because I won very many tight and close matches in the past here ... Maybe I should have lost couple finals that I won, so maybe this is even steven.”

    (Gets a bit emotional towards the end)

  • July 16, 2023 23:29
    PRESENTATION CEREMONY

    First up, Novak Djokovic receives the runner-up trophy from Kate Middleton.

    Followed by, the new Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz who receives the winner’s trophy!

  • July 16, 2023 23:26
    Carlos Alcaraz has pulled off an upset for the ages

    Carlos Alcaraz stops Novak Djokovic from winning an all-time record-equalling 24th Grand Slam. Federer is still the most decorated men’s champion at The Championships with eight titles. And Federer and Borg remain the only two men to win the grass Major five times in a row.

    Novak Djokovic’s 45-match unbeaten streak on Centre Court, which began after his loss to Andy Murray in the 2013 final, is over.

  • July 16, 2023 23:19
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic 4-6 Alcaraz*

    And now, it is the test of Alcaraz’s mental toughness. The Spaniard is about to serve for his maiden Wimbledon title against the four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic.

    Big serve down the T, Djokovic makes the return, Alcaraz nets the drop shot - 0-15. Again, a drop shot from Alcaraz, Djokovic rushes in and chips it over but Alcaraz hits a perfect lob to win the point - 15-all. Alcaraz 30-15 up with a backhand volley covering a crosscourt pass from the Serbian.

    Short ball from Alcaraz and Djokovic has not problem putting it away with an inside-out forehand - 30-all. Big serve down the T, Djokovic hits the backhand return and it is long - 40-30.

    CHAMPIONSHIP POINT. Alcaraz serves wide into the ad court, Djokovic hits the backhand return down the line. The Spaniard gets a short ball and hits a crosscourt forehand. Djokovic stretches and hits a forehand return but it can only find the net.

    CARLOS ALCARAZ IS THE NEW WIMBLEDON CHAMPION!

    He beats Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a 4 hours 42 minutes long thriller!

  • July 16, 2023 23:16
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic* 4-5 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving to stay in the final. Goes up 30-0 quickly. Make that 40-0 as he hits a beautiful wide serve into the deuce court.

    Djokovic loses the next point by sending a forehand down the line wide - 40-15. Djokovic holds.

  • July 16, 2023 23:12
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic 3-5 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz serving to stay up by a break and move closer to the title. Alcaraz loses the opening point as he hits a forehand down the line with Djokovic headed to the other end but the ball hits the net and lands wide - 0-15.

    Second serve, quality kicker, wide into the ad court and the backhand return from Djokovic flies past the baseline - 15-15. Backhand return from Djokovic goes long and Alcaraz moves up 30-15. Drop shot from Alcaraz after a big first serve - 40-15. Second serve, ace wide into the deuce court. Alcaraz holds!

  • July 16, 2023 23:08
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic* 3-4 Alcaraz

    Djokovic goes up 30-15 but Alcaraz is not giving any easy points. Alcaraz comes up with a bullet crosscourt forehand winner to make it 30-all.

    Wide second serve into the deuce court followed by a backhand winner in the ad court from Djokovic - 40-30.

    And Djokovic holds after Alcaraz sends an on-the-run forehand long. Change of ends.

  • July 16, 2023 23:04
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic 2-4 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz to serve. Big second serve - 121mph - from the Spaniard helps him win the point and make it 15-all.

    Great forehand down the line from Djokovic and Alcaraz’s backhand goes comfortably long - 15-30. Yet another second serve and Djokovic hits the forehand return long - 30-all. Djokovic hits a routine forehand down the line wide and now, Alcaraz leads 40-30.

    Chance to close the game. And he does that with an ace wide into the ad court.

  • July 16, 2023 23:01
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic* 2-3 Alcaraz

    Djokovic races to a 40-0 lead. Needs to get through his service games quickly and keep the pressure on the Spaniard if he wants to come back.

    Djokovic nets a backhand and it is 40-15. However, he does close the game by winning the next point.

  • July 16, 2023 22:59
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic 1-3 Alcaraz*

    What an opportunity for Alcaraz now! He is up by break against the four-time defending champion.

    The Spaniard takes a 30-0 lead quickly. Alcaraz holds to love. Massive. He consolidates the break.

  • July 16, 2023 22:54
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic* 1-2 Alcaraz

    Djokovic to serve. Alcaraz wins the opening point with a backhand winner into the middle of the court after Djokovic absolutely smashes a crosscourt forehand from the deuce corner - 0-15.

    Alcaraz goes up 30-15 with a forehand volley. Now, it is the Serbian who is facing the heat. Big wide serve into the ad court followed by a deep forehand shot into the deuce court from Djokovic - 30-all.

    Chance for Alcaraz to break as Djokovic nets a forehand. A rather loose error by his standards - 30-40.

    Alcaraz breaks Djokovic as he wins the point with a backhand winner down the line. Djokovic slipped near the baseline quite early into the rally but managed to carry on. However, the Spaniard gets what he wanted.

  • July 16, 2023 22:46
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic 1-1 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz serves. Loses the opening point with a crosscourt forehand going long - 0-15. However, comes back with a lovely drop shot to make it 15-all.

    Alcaraz hits a forehand wide and Djokovic is up 30-15. Pressure on the young Spaniard. Big serve down the T followed by a superb backhand volley from Alcaraz. Djokovic tries to chase it down but can’t - 30-all.

    Alcaraz nets a backhand and Djokovic has a break point. Big moment in this summit clash. Wow! Djokovic nets the forehand volley after Alcaraz hangs on in the rally with a defensive lob. Deuce.

    Alcaraz with a chance to close the game after winning the next point with a drop shot. Alcaraz closes the game with a forehand winner down the line!

  • July 16, 2023 22:39
    FIFTH SET: Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving first in this deciding set and takes a 30-0 lead. Alcaraz makes it 15-30 with a crosscourt forehand return winner. Make it 30-30 as Alcaraz wins the point with a forehand volley. Alcaraz hits a backhand winner down the line after Djokovic rushes in.

    Break point for Alcaraz. Big serve down the T from Djokovic to save it. Deuce.

    Another serve down the T and Alcaraz nets the backhand return. Chance for Djokovic to close the game. Djokovic seemed to have done it with a drop shot in the end, only to watch Alcaraz hit a curling forehand pass down the line. Deuce again.

    Another big serve down the T from Djokovic to go ahead again. Backhand slice from Alcaraz goes long and Djokovic holds.

  • July 16, 2023 22:38
    Last time the men’s final at Wimbledon went to fifth set

    The last time the men’s final at The Championships went the distance, it resulted in a classic as Djokovic saved two match points before beating Federer 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12 in the 2019 summit clash.

  • July 16, 2023 22:32
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic 6-3 Alcaraz*

    Double fault from the Spaniard takes him down 0-30. Djokovic two points away from taking the fourth set. Djokovic with three set points.

    Alcaraz saves one with a big serve down the T. Djokovic with two more chances. But he does not need to do much as Alcaraz commit a double fault. Onto the fifth set we go!

  • July 16, 2023 22:30
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic* 5-3 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving to keep his advantage intact. Goes up 30-0 after dictating both points by coming forward. Love hold for the Serbian. He needed that.

  • July 16, 2023 22:26
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic 4-3 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz to serve. Wins the opening point with probably his best drop shot of the match - 15-0. Djokovic makes it 15-all with an overhead smash while Alcaraz slips towards the back of the court.

    Alcaraz goes up 40-15 after Djokovic sends a crosscourt backhand long. Alcaraz closes the game with an ace wide into the deuce court.

  • July 16, 2023 22:21
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic* 4-2 Alcaraz

    This match looks destined to head towards a deciding fifth set. Great fightback from Djokovic to break Alcaraz after saving those break points himself earlier.

    Short crosscourt exchange between Djokovic and Alcaraz and it is the Spaniard who comes out on top with a winner - 15-all. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a forehand winner in the ad court - Djokovic leads 30-15. Lovely deception from Djokovic before killing the point with a backhand - 40-15. Alcaraz wins the next point but Djokovic closes the game with a T serve.

  • July 16, 2023 22:14
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic 3-2 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz to serve. Body serve gives him the chance for an easy forehand volley but he sends it wide and it is 30-all. An opportunity for Djokovic, perhaps? Crossscourt forehand from Alcaraz goes wide and he is down 30-40. Break point for Djokovic.

    Djokovic hits a backhand down the line in the rally and the ball is called out. The Serbian challenges the call unsuccessfully. Deuce.

    Brilliant forehand return from Djokovic to wide deuce serve from Alcaraz, right at the Spaniard’s feet. Another break point and this time, Alcaraz hits a forehand down the line which is called out, only to be overturned after a challenge.

    Point to be replayed. Alcaraz saves the break point with a big body serve and a drop shot. Deuce.

    Another chance for Djokovic to break as Alcaraz nets a crosscourt forehand. And this time, he does have it as Alcaraz nets a drop volley.

  • July 16, 2023 22:08
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic* 2-2 Alcaraz.

    Stunning forehand crosscourt return from Alcaraz after defending for so long and anticipating the overhead smash from Djokovic correctly - 15-30. Alcaraz makes it 30-all as Djokovic hits a forehand long.

    Wide ace into the deuce court from Djokovic. Alcaraz challenges it and he is right. Second serve. Into the body from Djokovic followed by a backhand crosscourt in the ad corner - 40-30. Alcaraz takes it to deuce as Djokovic rushes to the net but only to see a crosscourt forehand go past him.

    Drop shot from Alcaraz, read quickly by Djokovic who chips it over the net and the Spaniard hits the crosscourt backhand pass wide. Djokovic closes the game with an inside-out forehand winner.

  • July 16, 2023 22:05
    Look who’s here
  • July 16, 2023 21:56
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic 1-2 Alcaraz*

    Second serve from Alcaraz, into the body, and the backhand return from Djokovic goes long - 15-0. Double fault from the Spaniard but he wins the next point with a backhand volley to go 30-15 up.

    Ace up the T - Alcaraz leads 40-15. Two solid and deep backhand returns from Djokovic help him set up the points and take this game to deuce.

    Djokovic with a backhand crosscourt pass attempted but Alcaraz manages to hit a backhand volley to avoid facing a break point. But it is deuce again as the Spaniard commits another double fault in this game.

    Ace wide into the deuce court from Alcaraz. Another chance to close the game. Djokovic hits a forehand down the line which seemed to be going slightly wide before hitting the net chord and falling in. Back to deuce.

    An overhead smash from Alcaraz after keeping Djokovic stuck at the baseline. Game point. And this time he does close it after Djokovic nets a backhand return.

  • July 16, 2023 21:50
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic* 1-1 Alcaraz

    Djokovic makes Alcaraz run from end to end but eventually, it is the Spaniard who wins the point after a dipping backhand down the line from him has the Serbian netting the forehand volley - 0-15.

    Defensive lob goes long from Alcaraz but he is 30-15 up on the Serbian’s serve. Forehand winner down the line from Alcaraz as Djokovic slips again. Two break points at 40-15 for the Spaniard. Is this the moment?

    Deep backhand down the line from Djokovic to save one of those two break points. And he saves the other one too as Alcaraz hits a crosscourt backhand wide - deuce.

    Djokovic wins the next point by closing the net quickly and hitting a forehand volley down the line. And he closes the game. Big hold of serve for the four-time defending champion.

  • July 16, 2023 21:47
    FOURTH SET: Djokovic 0-1 Alcaraz*

    Djokovic back after a bathroom break and outfit change. Alcaraz serving first in this crucial fourth set and goes down 0-30. But a big first serve down the T and a forehand error from the Serbian makes it 30-all quickly.

    Alcaraz closes the game with a big serve down the T.

  • July 16, 2023 21:44
    Djokovic needs a comeback

    Well, Djokovic has not been in this position for quite some time. After a scintillating start, he suddenly finds himself just one set away from defeat. But in this generation, if there is someone who has the capability to come back from situation, it is Djokovic.

  • July 16, 2023 21:37
    THIRD SET: Djokovic* 1-6 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving to stay in the set. Alcaraz wins the opening point with a forehand pass down the line - 15-0. Slow second serve from Djokovic and Alcaraz hits a forehand return winner down the line to go 30-0 up. Make it 40-0 to Alcaraz after Djokovic nets a simple forehand volley.

    Djokovic saves one set point but Alcaraz breaks him with a backhand pass. Alcaraz wins third set 6-1.

  • July 16, 2023 21:35
    THIRD SET: Djokovic 1-5 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz up 30-0 in no time. Body serve from Alcaraz and it takes him to 40-0.

    Wide serve into the ad court from Alcaraz, Djokovic hits the backhand return right at his feet and the Spaniard nets the forehand in response - 40-15. Alcaraz holds serve easily.

  • July 16, 2023 21:06
    THIRD SET: Djokovic* 1-4 Alcaraz (25-minute game)

    Backhand down the line from Djokovic initially called out by the line umpire but he challenges and gets it overturned as the ball had caught the baseline - point to be replayed.

    Stunning backhand volley from Djokovic to cover Alcaraz’s backhand pass - 40-15. Alcaraz makes it 40-30 with a forehand crosscourt volley winner.

    And it is deuce now as Djokovic hits a backhand slice wide. T serve followed by a forehand winner in the ad court from the Serbian. Chance to close the game.

    Alcaraz drags him back as the Spaniard keeps hitting some loopy forehand returns and Djokovic eventually nets a forehand. Deuce again.

    Backhand winner down the line from Djokovic to earn yet another chance to hold serve. Wide serve into the ad court, Alcaraz hits a backhand return into the middle of the court, Djokovic decides to go for the drop shot but does not manage to execute it well. Game continues.

    And Alcaraz gets a chance to break as he hits a backhand return to Djokovic’s T serve who then overcooks the forehand. But the opportunity vanishes as Alcaraz totally mistimes a forehand return after getting into the rally. Deuce again.

    Djokovic hits a perfect inside-out forehand winner to go Ad-40 up. But sends the same shot wide in the next rally - back to deuce.

    Well, Djokovic in coversation with the chair umpire now. Probably something related to the time he is taking between serves.

    Double fault from Djokovic and Alcaraz gets a free break point. But he again skies a forehand return. Deuce again.

    Djokovic goes ahead with a forehand volley winner. Second serve from Djokovic, Alcaraz attacks with a crosscourt backhand return and draws the error - deuce again.

    Djokovic sends the crosscourt forehand just wide after a long rally and it is yet another chance for the Spaniard to break but he is unable to convert it as he sends a backhand down the line wide in the next rally. Game goes on.

    Alcaraz nets a backhand slice return but Djokovic returns the favour by hitting a forehand long. Unreal. This game has been going on for almost 20 minutes.

    Fourth break point for Alcaraz after Djokovic nets an on-the-run crosscourt forehand. And just like the previous three, this one too passes into obscurity.

    Error on the drop shot from Djokovic and it offers a fifth break point to the World No. 1. Big T serve from Djokovic to hold on.

    Not for long though as Djokovic nets another forehand shot. Sixth break point. Djokovic challenges a forehand crosscourt serve return from Alcaraz initially called in and he is right. Back to deuce.

    T serve from Djokovic called out and this time, his challenge is unsuccessful. However, he gets a chance to close the game again after Alcaraz overhits a forehand. But the Spaniard wins the next point with a crosscout backhand pass to keep this game going after looking out of the rally on multiple occasions.

    Seventh break point for Alcaraz after Djokovic overhits another routine forehand down the line. And Alcaraz breaks again after Djokovic nets a forehand! This was a 25-minute game! Alcaraz up by a double break in the third set!

  • July 16, 2023 21:00
    THIRD SET: Djokovic 1-3 Alcaraz*

    Big serve down the T from Alcaraz but he decides to follow it up with a forehand drop shot and sends it long - 15-all. Crosscourt forehand volley, quite an easy one, hit wide by Alcaraz and he trails 15-30. Is this the start of a Djokovic comeback?

    Another error from the Spaniard, an overhit backhand down the line and he faces two break points at 15-40.

    He saves one as Djokovic nets a forehand return and looks absolutely frustrated.

    Second serve, lots of bounce on it, and Djokovic does not make the right connection while the going for the forehand - deuce.

    Alcaraz makes it look like he is about to hit the inside-out forehand but it is just to wrongfoot Djokovic as he wins the point with a forehand drop shot. Big serve down the T to close the game for Alcaraz. Massive escape act.

  • July 16, 2023 20:53
    THIRD SET: Djokovic* 1-2 Alcaraz

    Alcaraz reads the drop shot from Djokovic, hits the return down the line and kills it with a jump smash! Score - 15-all. Backhand slice from Djokovic goes into the net and he is down 15-30.

    Wide serve into the deuce court from Djokovic, Alcaraz’s forehand chip return goes long - 40-30. Second serve from Djokovic, ball stays low and Alcaraz nets the forehand return.

  • July 16, 2023 20:50
    THIRD SET: Djokovic 0-2 Alcaraz*

    Big serve down the T from Alcaraz and Djokovic hits the forehand return wide - 15-all. Body serve from the Spaniard draws a heavy backhand - 30-15.

    Djokovic sends a forehand wide after setting up the point with a deep return - 40-15 to Alcaraz. Make it 40-30 as Alcaraz slightly overhits a forehand.

    Body serve from Alcaraz to close the game and consolidate the break.

  • July 16, 2023 20:42
    THIRD SET: Djokovic* 0-1 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving first in the third set. Loses the opening point by netting a backhand. Inconsistent bounce costs Djokovic as he completely misses a forehand - 30-all. Defensive lob from Djokovic goes long and Alcaraz has a chance to break.

    Second serve, wide into the ad court, Alcaraz gets on top of the ball but his backhand down the line just lands wide - deuce.

    Alcaraz outthinks Djokovic as the Serbian went to cover the down the line pass but Alcaraz hit a crosscourt backhand pass - another break point. And he does break Djokovic after the Serbian nets a backhand down the line.

  • July 16, 2023 20:41
    END OF STREAK

    Novak Djokovic had won 13 consecutive tiebreakers at Slams this year. The last player to take one from his was Enzo Couacaud at Australian Open. It took the world number one to break that incredible streak.

  • July 16, 2023 20:28
    SECOND SET - Alcaraz 7-6(6)

    Alcaraz loses the opening point as he overhits a backhand down the line and Djokovic, immediately, gets a mini-break - 1-0 to Djokovic. Big serve down the T does the job for the Serbian to lead 2-0. Another big first serve in the same region - 3-0. Alcaraz opens his account as he serves wide into the ad court and draws a heavy return - 3-1 to Djokovic.

    Wide ace into the deuce court and Alcaraz reduces the deficit further - 3-2 to Djokovic. Wide serve into the ad court from Djokovic, Alcaraz hits the crosscourt backhand return, the Serbian nets the drop shot and the mini-break advantage disappears at the change of ends - 3-all. Deft drop volley from Djokovic to go 4-3 up.

    Second serve, wide into the ad court, followed by a forehand winner in the same corner while Djokovic commits to the other corner - 4-all. A drop shot from Alcaraz in such a crucial moment and it works! He goes up 5-4.

    Djokovic receives a time violation warning. It had been coming.

    Alcaraz tries to close the net, Djokovic hits a crosscourt backhand pass and the Spaniard nets the backhand volley - 5-all.

    Alcaraz again rushes in, manages to make one forehand volley but Djokovic ultimately hits a backhand pass to go 6-5 up and earn a set point All pressure on the Spaniard now. And he saves it as Djokovic nets a backhand return. Change of ends at 6-all.

    Alcaraz gets away with a second serve as Djokovic nets a backhand return shortly afterwards. Alcaraz leads 7-6 and has a set point. Wide serve into the ad court from Djokovic and Alcaraz hits a backhand return winner down the line to take the second set 7-6(6)

  • July 16, 2023 20:22
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 6-6 Alcaraz

    Djokovic, once again, serving to stay in the set. If he takes it to tiebreak, there’s a very good chance that he’ll win that as he has done it at the Majors on the last 13 occasions which is a record.

    Double fault from the Serbian and it is 15-all. Wide serve into the deuce court from Djokovic and Alcaraz hits the forehand return long - 30-15. Inside-out forehand from Djokovic goes beyond the baseline and it is 30-all.

    Big serve in the middle from Djokovic and Alcaraz hits the backhand return long this time - 40-30. Djokovic with another T serve, Alcaraz hits the chipped forehand return long. Tiebreak to settle this second set. Novak Djokovic territory!

  • July 16, 2023 20:19
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 5-6 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz begins the service game with a crosscourt forehand going long - 0-15. The momentum is with the Serbian. Crunch crosscourt forehand this time from the Spaniard, Djokovic replies with the same shot but only manages to find the net - 15-all.

    Nice body serve from Alcaraz to go 40-15 up. One point away from closing the game. Big and unreturnable serve down the T from the World No. 1 to close the game.

  • July 16, 2023 20:12
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 5-5 Alcaraz

    Djokovic hits a regular inside-out forehand shot wide. Alcaraz sets up the next point nicely but ends up hitting a backhand crosscourt pass wide - 15-all.

    One more unforced error each from the two players and the score becomes 30-all. Djokovic’s forehand down the line called ‘out’ but he challenges it. Djokovic was right but the point will be replayed since Alcaraz was in a position to return.

    Another loose mistake from Alcaraz as he overhits a forehand - 40-30 to Djokovic. Alcaraz takes it to deuce as his deep return forces Djokovic’s forehand to land onto the net.

    Alcaraz goes for the drop shot in the middle of the rally and the ball does not cross the net. Was that a gamble worth taking for the Spaniard?

    Alcaraz with another drop shot mid-rally, Djokovic sprints and hits a crosscourt return. No chance for the Spaniard to hit the ball back into the court. Tremendous stuff. Djokovic holds!

  • July 16, 2023 20:06
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 4-5 Alcaraz*

    Big serve down the T from Alcaraz, Djokovic hits the backhand return and Alcaraz then nets the forehand to go 0-15 down. Alcaraz makes it 15-15 all with a crosscourt forehand winner after a Djokovic forehand clipped the tape and gave him some extra time.

    Ace wide into the deuce court from Alcaraz - 30-15. Forehand down the line from Alcaraz, Djokovic slips while hitting the return which eventually goes wide. Alcaraz checks if he is okay. Alcaraz leads 40-15.

    Alcaraz closes the game to stay ahead.

  • July 16, 2023 20:03
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 4-4 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving to level things up yet again. Goes up 30-15. Not making a lot of first serves though but it does not matter. Alcaraz nets a backhand and Djokovic leads 40-15.

    Backhand serve return from Alcaraz goes long and that’s the end of this game.

  • July 16, 2023 19:58
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 3-4 Alcaraz*

    Novak Djokovic falls but still, manages to keep the ball in play. However, Alcaraz sends the backhand volley into the open court to go 30-0 up. Solid forehand winner down the line and Alcaraz is up 40-0. Ace wide into the ad court for Alcaraz to close the game. A love hold.

  • July 16, 2023 19:51
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 3-3 Alcaraz

    For once, the drop shot works for Alcaraz as he draws Djokovic in and hits a backhand pass - 0-15. Backhand winner down the line of highest quality from the Spaniard to go 30-0 up on Djokovic’s serve.

    Forehand return from Alcaraz on a second serve goes long - 15-30. Big serve down the T from Djokovic followed by a forehand winner in the deuce court - 30-all. Yet again, a slower second serve, and Alcaraz hits a long backhand. Djokovic up 40-30. Djokovic holds. This could be very crucial in this set.

  • July 16, 2023 19:45
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 2-3 Alcaraz*

    Two solid first serves from Alcaraz after losing the opening point with a netted crosscourt forehand - 30-15. Make that 40-15 as Djokovic goes for a backhand pass down the line but it lands wide.

    One of the best returners for a reason - Djokovic wins the next two point and drags Alcaraz back to deuce.

    Lovely backhand volley winner from Alcaraz to cover the crosscourt backhand pass from the Serbian. But Djokovic brings it back to deuce again as he makes a deep serve return and finishes the point with a forehand down the line.

    Good serve in the middle from Alcaraz, Djokovic nets the backhand return. Can Alcaraz close the game this time? Yes, he can! Djokovic hits a forehand well wide of his intended target.

  • July 16, 2023 19:36
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 2-2 Alcaraz

    Djokovic fumbles a simple drop shot. Uncharacteristic error from the Serbian - 0-15. Another drop shot from Djokovic, not as perfect as he would have liked, Alcaraz gets to it and simply chips the ball over the net, Djokovic rushes in but can only net the ball - 0-30.

    Alcaraz with a chance to go 40-0 on second serve but nets a backhand volley which he usually is able to make - 15-30. Crosscourt forehand return from Alcaraz on a second serve following which Djokovic slips and nets the forehand in reply - 30-40. Break point.

    Longest rally of the match - 29 shots - and Alcaraz’s backhand down the line misses the baseline by a whisker - deuce. Djokovic absolutely loves it!

    Another bad drop shot from Alcaraz, Djokovic with a simply crosscourt forehand shot ends the point and now has a chance to close the game. Wide and unreturnable serve into the ad court from Djokovic. Serve held.

  • July 16, 2023 19:29
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 1-2 Alcaraz*

    Begins a crucial service game with a double fault. Forehand volley from Alcaraz to make it 15-15 after an unreal forehand return from Djokovic.

    Another stunning exchange between the two players where Alcaraz kept belting one shot after the other and Djokovic just kept sending the ball back before the Spaniard eventually won the point with a forehand winner down the line - 30-15.

    Net helps Djokovic as Alcaraz was there to cover the crosscourt forehand pass but the ball hit the top of the tape and went over his racquet before landing him. Djokovic apologises but he won’t mind that - 30-all.

    Alcaraz with a chance to close the game but he overcooks the forehand and instead, it is deuce. Alcaraz again tries the drop shot, Djokovic again anticipates well in time and sends the return down the line and the Spaniard’s forehand lob goes well wide - break point for Djokovic. And he converts as Alcaraz hits a crosscourt forehand way wide. Back on serve!

  • July 16, 2023 19:20
    SECOND SET: Djokovic* 0-2 Alcaraz

    A wild second serve from Djokovic, missing the target by a mile, and it is a double fault - 0-15. Heavy backhand from Djokovic in the next rally and he is down 0-30.

    Unbelievable backhand volley from Djokovic, clips the top of the tape and drops dead on Alcaraz’s side - 15-30. Alcaraz absolutely blasts an inside-out forehand but Djokovic hits the backhand which drops bang on the baseline and helps him eventually win the point - 30-all. Solid defensive work from the Serbian.

    Overhead smash from Alcaraz to make it deuce after a crosscourt forehand return set up the point nicely. Second serve, wide into the deuce court, Alcaraz somehow sends the crosscourt forehand return which clips the net and lands across, Djokovic hits the crosscourt shot wide - break point for Alcaraz.

    Body serve from Djokovic, Alcaraz does not make the right connection with the forehand and it lands wide - deuce again.

    Another break point opportunity for Alcaraz as Djokovic nets a backhand slice. And this time, Alcaraz breaks as Djokovic hits a crosscourt forehand just wide!

  • July 16, 2023 19:18
    SECOND SET: Djokovic 0-1 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz serving first in the second set. Needs to forget what happened in the opener.

    Alcaraz goes for the drop shot but Djokovic gets to it, hits a crosscourt return and Alcaraz eventually loses the point - 15-all. The Spaniard wins the next two points to go 40-15. Much better serving. Body serve from Alcaraz, Djokovic hits the backhand return long. Alcaraz holds.

  • July 16, 2023 19:12
    FIRST SET: Djokovic* 6-1 Alcaraz

    Djokovic serving for the opener. Big serve down the T from Djokovic before he quickly closes the net and Alcaraz nets the backhand return - 30-0.

    Djokovic with an overhead smash to close the first set. Effective. Efficient. Superb tennis from the four-time defending champion.

  • July 16, 2023 19:09
    FIRST SET: Djokovic 5-1 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz serving to avoid conceding a bagel. Big serve down the T, Djokovic hits a backhand return, Alcaraz goes for the forehand putaway, the ball hits the net and lands on Djokovic’s side. Alcaraz needed that sort of luck but perhaps, a bit earlier in this set.

    A forehand shot gone long and a double fault from Alcaraz - 30-all. Djokovic covers almost the entire court while keeping the ball in play and the Spaniard eventually puts it away with an overhead smash. Alcaraz is on the board with a forehand down the line winner.

  • July 16, 2023 19:06
    FIRST SET: Djokovic* 5-0 Alcaraz

    Djokovic up 30-0 in no time. The Serbian decides to close the net, Alcaraz’s forehand dips in time and draws an imperfect half vollet from Djokovic - Alcaraz ends the point with a backhand pass - 30-15.

    Djokovic closes the game comfortably. It’s been one-sided so far.

  • July 16, 2023 19:00
    FIRST SET: Djokovic 4-0 Alcaraz*

    Body serve from Alcaraz and Djokovic nets the backhand return - 15-all. First slip of the match for Alcaraz as he tries to retrieve a drop shot - 15-30. Another error from Alcaraz as he nets a backhand and goes 15-40 down. Two break points for the Serbian.

    Alcaraz saves one. Can he save another? Another body serve from Alcaraz and Djokovic nets the backhand return again. Djokovic challenges the serve but the original call stands - deuce. Deep forehand return from Djokovic and Alcaraz nets the backhand in reply to that - another break point for the Serbian.

    Second serve from Alcaraz, Djokovic hits a crosscourt backhand return and Alcaraz nets the backhand down the line. Djokovic breaks again!

  • July 16, 2023 18:53
    FIRST SET: Djokovic* 3-0 Alcaraz

    Djokovic looking to consolidate the break. Slow and loopy forehand down the line from Alcaraz after a short crosscourt exchange, Djokovic nets the forehand in response - 15-all.

    Make it 15-30 as the wind takes Djokovic’s forehand down the line wide into the doubles alley. First proper rally of the match - 21 shots and Djokovic comes out on top as he forces Alcaraz to hit a lob and the ball lands beyond the baseline - 30-all.

    Crazy exchange where Djokovic draws Alcaraz in with a drop shot, Djokovic chips it over him, Alcaraz tracks back and hits a tweener which is initially called in before Djokovic challenges it and gets it overturned. Djokovic closes the game with a T ace.

  • July 16, 2023 18:48
    FIRST SET: Djokovic 2-0 Alcaraz*

    Alcaraz begins with a good body serve but Djokovic manages to send the forehand return over the net and it helps as Alcaraz comes to the net but overhits the forehand down the line. A scintillating crosscourt forehand winner from the baseline by Djokovic to go 30-0 up.

    Backhand slice from Djokovic draws a heavy forehand shot from Alcaraz and the Spaniard faces three break points at 0-40.

    Saves first as Djokovic commits an unforced error with an overcooked forehand. Body serve followed by a forehand winner in the ad court - 30-40. And Djokovic breaks after drawing a heavy forehand on-the-run from Alcaraz.

  • July 16, 2023 18:40
    FIRST SET: Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz

    Djokovic begins with a wide serve into the deuce court, Alcaraz hits the forehand return long. First point to Alcaraz as Djokovic hits a crosscourt forehand long - 15-all.

    Slower second serve from Djokovic, who slips in the follow through, and Alcaraz hits a forehand crosscourt return winner to go 30-15 up. Second serve, into the body, Alcaraz hits the forehand return just wide - 30-all.

    Wide serve into deuce court, Alcaraz’s forehand return just crosses the net and Djokovic hits the backhand into the net to go 30-40 down. Break point for Alcaraz. And it vanishes quickly courtesy a great wide serve into ad court from the Serbian who draws a heavy backhand return this time from Alcaraz - deuce.

    Now, Alcaraz stops Djokovic from closing the game with a loopy crosscourt forehand return and Djokovic nets the forehand in response - deuce again.

    Alcaraz gets into the rally but then, overhits a backhand return. Djokovic with another chance to close this nervous opening game. And he does that with a wide and unreturnable serve into the ad court.

  • July 16, 2023 18:33
    TOSS UPDATE

    Alcaraz wins the toss and decides to receive. Interesting choice from the young Spaniard.

  • July 16, 2023 18:31
    Live visuals from Centre Court

    Time for live action. Djokovic and Alcaraz make their way to the Centre Court with 15,000 spectators welcoming them with a huge round of applause.

  • July 16, 2023 18:30
    One final stat

    Novak Djokovic has not lost on Centre Court in the last 45 matches. His last defeat on the hallowed grass came in the 2013 final against Andy Murray.

  • July 16, 2023 18:22
    The ultimate prize
  • July 16, 2023 18:18
    Here are three things to watch out during today’s Djokovic vs Alcaraz final

    Three things to watch out in Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon final

  • July 16, 2023 18:13
    Battle between the top two

    This will be the 12th men’s singles final in Wimbledon between World No. 1 and 2, since the ATP Rankings were published in 1973. World No. 1 has won six times in those contests previously.

  • July 16, 2023 18:07
    Records on offer if Alcaraz wins

    3 - Alcaraz would be just the third Spanish man after Manuel Santana (1966) and Rafael Nadal (2008, 2010) to win Wimbledon.

    3 - Alcaraz would be the third-youngest men’s champion at Wimbledon after Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker.

    4 - He will be the fourth Spanish player to win multiple Grand Slam titles, after Nadal, Santana and Sergi Bruguera.

    5 - Alcaraz would be the fifth man in the Open Era to win multiple Grand Slam titles prior to turning 21 – after Mats Wilander (4 Grand Slam titles prior to turning 21), Borg (3), and Becker and Nadal (both 2).

  • July 16, 2023 18:04
    Records on offer if Djokovic wins

    24 - Djokovic equals Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Majors.

    8 - Djokovic equals Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record of eight Wimbledon titles.

    5 - Djokovic will become the third man after Bjorn Borg and Federer to win five straight Wimbledon titles.

    36 years 55 days - Making Djokovic the oldest men’s champion at Wimbledon in the Open Era.

    4 - Djokovic will clinch his fourth Grand Slam title after turning 35, claiming sole ownership of the Open Era record for most Grand Slam singles titles won aged 35 or older.

  • July 16, 2023 17:55
    Generational battle

    With Alcaraz (20 years 72 days) and Djokovic (36 years 55 days) contesting the Wimbledon here this year, this match represents the third-largest age gap between players in a Grand Slam men’s singles final in the Open Era.

  • July 16, 2023 17:51
    Time spent on court

    Djokovic: 15 hours 29 minutes

    Alcaraz: 15 hours 38 minutes

  • July 16, 2023 17:48
    Alcaraz’s Road to Final

    Semifinal: 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 against [3] Daniil Medvedev

    Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-4 against [6] Holger Rune (DEN)

    Fourth Round: 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 against Matteo Berrettini (ITA)

    Third Round: 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 against [25] Nicolas Jarry (CHI)

    Second Round: 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-3 against Alexandre Muller (FRA)

    First Round: 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 against Jeremy Chardy (FRA)

  • July 16, 2023 17:44
    Djokovic’s Road to final

    Semifinal: 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) against [8] Jannik Sinner (ITA)

    Quarterfinal: 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 against [7] Andrey Rublev

    Fourth Round: 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4 against [17] Hubert Hurkacz (POL)

    Third Round: 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(5) against Stan Wawrinka (SUI)

    Second Round: 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-5 against Jordan Thompson (AUS)

    First Round: 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4) against Pedro Cachin (ARG)

  • July 16, 2023 17:39
    Head-to-head record

    Djokovic and Alcaraz have faced each other twice. Their first meeting took place in the semifinal of the 2022 Madrid Masters where Alcaraz came from a set down to beat the Serbian 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5). In their second and most recent duel, Djokovic emerged triumphant 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in this year’s French Open semifinals.

  • July 16, 2023 17:33
    WHERE TO WATCH THE FINAL?

    The final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports Select and live streaming will be available on Disney+Hotstar. The match will start at 6:30 PM IST.

  • July 16, 2023 17:28
    MATCH PREVIEW

    While Novak Djokovic already holds the all-time record for most weeks spent on top of the ATP Rankings (389) and has lifted the winner’s trophy at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club seven times, he will go into the Wimbledon summit clash against Carlos Alcaraz, the current World No. 1, highly motivated as multiple records are within touching distance.

    By beating the 20-year-old Spaniard, Djokovic can equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Majors. Only Serena Williams has been in this position before the Serbian, but she fell at the final hurdle on four occasions.

    On the other hand, Alcaraz looks to become the third-youngest male Wimbledon champion in history after Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker. The cherry on top - the champion will be the top-ranked player in the ATP Rankings on Monday.

    READ FULL PREVIEW

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment