Tim Henman
analyzes the ‘annihilation’ of the Wimbledon final, where Carlos Alcaraz
defeated Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 to successfully defend his 2023 title.
The Spaniard achieved the 4th Grand Slam title of his career, becoming the
youngest player in history to reach that number at just 21 years and 70 days
old.
Former Brit
No. 1 Henman reflected on Alcaraz's convincing victory at Wimbledon, which was
also the first Slam final that Carlitos won in straight sets: “In all honesty,
for 6-2, 6-2, 5-4 [40-0], it was an annihilation. Alcaraz was just absolutely
phenomenal,” Henman said to BBC TV.
The former
world No. 4 commented that Alcaraz's dominant level was evident from the start
of the match, and although most expected a reaction from Nole at some point, he
simply couldn’t match an opponent who played one of the best matches of his
career.
“The tone
was set in that first service game of Djokovic, it was a 14 or 15-minute game,
Alcaraz was able to get that break of serve and then he was just relentless. He
gave Djokovic nothing to get his teeth stuck into. We were just waiting for the
reaction, we were waiting for Djokovic to respond and that really only happened
late in the third set when, in all honesty, it was just a little bit too late.”
Serbian
tennis analyst Sasa Ozmo expressed that Djokovic 'maybe panicked' in the face
of his opponent's high level. The 24-times Grand Slam champion had only three
break opportunities and converted just one, while Alcaraz secured 5 breaks from
14 opportunities.
“I’m not
sure why Novak rushed so many times to the net when he saw that it’s not
working, and it seems to me that he maybe panicked, similar to the way he
played and acted during that US Open 2021 final against Medvedev,” Sasa Ozmo
claimed. “Also, I don’t think he was 10/20 of first serve points won, and at
some point he managed to win only 66 percent of points after his first serve,
which I don’t think happened that often.
Alcaraz at the 2024 Wimbledon.
“What I’m
probably most impressed with Alcaraz is the way he reacted after he squandered
those three match points. John McEnroe used to say that how you react to the
choke is what counts, and Alcaraz managed to react perfectly. So for Novak,
it’s a bit bittersweet. I don’t think anyone expected it to be this easy.”
The
11-times Grand Slam champion Rod Laver, who was present at Center Court during
the final, also shared his impressions of Carlos Alcaraz's performance:
"His triumph against a great champion like Novak Djokovic is a testament
to his incredible talent, determination, and composure under pressure. He
consolidated his place among the greats of tennis with his brilliant
performance. Well done Carlos."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
