Carlos Alcaraz started his 29th week as world no. 1 on Monday, standing 880 points clear of Novak Djokovic. Carlos and Novak battled for the ATP throne in Sunday’s Wimbledon final, with the young Spaniard prevailing 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in four hours and 42 minutes for his second Major crown and the first at The All England Club. Alcaraz and Djokovic came to Wimbledon neck and neck, and the Spaniard is now further in front, guaranteeing to stay at the top for at least four weeks. Thus, the 20-year-old will collect 32 weeks as world no. 1 and move closer to Ilie Nastase and Andy Murray, his closest rivals on the list. However, Novak will have a chance to regain the ATP throne in August or September, missing the last year’s North American swing and defending no points. Two great rivals played a memorable Wimbledon final, giving their best in windy conditions. Alcaraz won one point more than Djokovic, standing as the more determined player on the court and firing 66 winners and 45 unforced errors.
Carlos Alcaraz remains world no. 1 ahead of Novak Djokovic.
There were 34 break points, and they grabbed five breaks each to remain neck and neck. Novak made a perfect start, winning the opening set in 34 minutes and creating a set point in the second set’s tie break. Alcaraz saved it and stole the set to level the overall score, ending Djokovic’s streak of 15 consecutive tie breaks. The young gun had the upper hand in the third set before a 23-time Major winner found his strokes in the fourth to force a decider. Carlos claimed the crucial points and prevailed with an early break that carried him toward his second Major crown at such a young age. Alcaraz came from 3-0 down in the tie break and fought well to clinch it 8-6 after a backhand return winner, one of the pivotal strokes of the entire final. The Serb sprayed almost 20 unforced errors in the third set and got broken three times, the number of service games he conceded before the final! Carlos grabbed an early break in the first game and defended two break points in game four to forge a 3-1 advantage.
The fifth game secured a place in Wimbledon history, with 32 points and 27 minutes of a grueling battle! The game saw 13 deuces, Novak’s numerous game points and seven break chances for the young gun! Carlos seized the last when Novak netted a forehand to earn an enormous boost and spend the rival’s energy. The Spaniard closed the set with another break in game seven for a massive advantage ahead of set number four. Novak took an extended break and made a fresh start. The defending champion saved two break points in the second game to end his downfall. The Serb grabbed breaks in games five and nine to wrap up the set 6-3 and force a decider, ready to give his everything while chasing his eighth Wimbledon crown. They missed a break point in games one and two of the final set before Carlos delivered a break in game three after an incredible point and a backhand down the line winner. Alcaraz served for the title at 5-4 and held at 30 after forcing Djokovic’s error to celebrate his career-best moment and the second Major crown at 20.