Carlos Alcaraz ends Novak Djokovic’s 10-year-run of Centre Court wins, seals near five hour epic to win 2023 Wimbledon title

Carlos Alcaraz has added Wimbledon to his 2022 US Open win and has avenged his cramping issues against Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros to end a ten year run of Centre Court wins since Andy Murray toppled him in 2013.

Alcaraz sealed it 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a near five hour epic against a player that many thought had the title on his racquet before the tournament began. He also stops Djokovic again from sealing a Calendar Grand Slam which he has still not achieved.

The World No.1 has pushed himself further ahead in the ATP Rankings too and joins Marketa Vondrousova as the champion this week at SW19.

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Alcaraz produced some wild errors and Djokovic took full advantage in the opening set breezing into a 6-1 lead and closing out the opener in 34 minutes to love. As ever the Serbian ace was superb in the big moments and Alcaraz needed to find an extra gear.

That he did. Fans of Alcaraz will have been fearing the worst when the second set went to a tie-break given Djokovic’s insane record in them and a record-breaking one at that but he was gifted set point as Djokovic started to go missing.

He made it count with a superb backhand winner and he claimed the set and ended his record. He started to dream albeit after an utterly mind blowing break which saw Alcaraz win it in 28 minutes with 13 deuces and Djokovic survived six break points before a pair of tired forehands gave the World No.1 the 4-1 lead.

It was rapid and routine for Alcaraz from there as he reeled off a hold and another break to claim the set 6-1 and go one set away from the title.

But like the Australian Open final against Thiem, Djokovic did not go missing for long. The intensity of Alcaraz lowered and he started to produce some big misses as the match headed towards the four hour mark and was broken at 3-2. Djokovic went one away from forcing a deciding set as Alcaraz couldn’t force a pivotal break at 3-5 down.

Alcaraz double faulted and Djokovic headed towards a set winning break. He didn’t need to return with a double fault handing him the set.

Alcaraz had break point to begin the final set as Djokovic could only look on with frustration but that was soon erased as the Spaniard suddenly saw Djokovic bring up game point as he kept sending his returns into the net.

Djokovic held though as Alcaraz fighting back proved in vein. But the former had roles reversed as Alcaraz produced a drilling backhand and Djokovic smashed his racquet off the net post as his serve was broken and Alcaraz suddenly was heading towards a 3-1 lead.

He took a 4-2 lead as he continued to hold while keeping the break in his pocket. He ripped a 91mph mid air winner which sent the crowd to their feet again but Djokovic weathered the storm and sealed the hold.

An ace sent Alcaraz into one away territory with Djokovic on the verge of defeat. Alcaraz went onto to achieve destiny as the crowd rose to celebrate the Spaniard ending Djokovic's run. Two champions battling it out till the end.

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A new name. A new reign. 🇪🇸 @carlosalcaraz, your 2023 Gentlemen's Singles champion #Wimbledon

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