In overturning history, Alcaraz played with a spirit of infectious belief and carried Centre Court with him. The 20-year-old Spaniard met Djokovic head on, denying the Serbian a fifth Wimbledon consecutive title, refusing to go down against the game's most formidable force and a legend of the sport who had won 104 matches in a row from a set up at the grand slams.
A titanic, 26-minute game midway through the third set captured Alcaraz's stunning resilience and tenacity to believe in the miracle he was trying to accomplish. Already up a break, Alcaraz hunted for another, not once letting Djokovic off the hook. The 36-year-old Djokovic, who had controlled his young opponent magnificently to race to the opening set, was suddenly stressed, rushed, and in danger.
He knew what Alcaraz threatened to do. Djokovic had won 34 matches in a row at Wimbledon. He had not lost on Centre Court in 10 years, since losing to Andy Murray in the 2013 final. But he had also not faced an opponent like Alcaraz, a man who lives every moment and approaches every shot like he has the chance to make the impossible possible. The second-set tiebreak was another turning point: Djokovic had won 15 tiebreaks in a row coming into the final, Alcaraz, who faced the brink then, barely blinked.
Tiebreaks are Djokovic's realm, his palace where he shows his mental fortitude, and a place Alcaraz's peers dare to tread. Alcaraz ended Djokovic's reign with his powerful forehand, his dazzling speed and his wondrous creativity. Even as Djokovic forced a fifth, Alcaraz never once lost sight of what he was fighting for. He roared back, and now Wimbledon will never be the same again.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin July 17, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin July 17, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Ricciardo set for axe - and only has himself to blame
When handed a second chance in Formula One last summer, Daniel Ricciardo had his aspirations set higher than a paltry seat at Red Bull's sister team.
Sri Lankans vote today in shadow of political dynasty
Protesters who toppled the Rajapaksa government in 2022 are hoping for change, but two of the candidates are closely linked to the establishmen
Israeli strike in Beirut kills top Hezbollah commander
Israel says it has killed a top Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut yesterday, fuelling fears of an all-out war on the IsraeliLebanon border. Israeli military said that Ibrahim Aqi Aqil, who served on Hezbollah's top military body and was the acting commander of the group's elite Radwan force, was killed along with other senior commanders of the unit.
'The West needs a Russia strategy in place come Putin's inevitable downfall'
In the second part of his exclusive interview, freed dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza tells Tom Watling that the long-term security of Europe rests on a free and democratic Russia
Mother blames hospital for death of 'terrified' daughter
A young woman \"traumatised\" by a stay in a scandal-hit hospital as a teenager died after trying to take her own life years later, an inquest has heard. Melissa Parrish was admitted to Huntercombe Hospital in Maidenhead in 2009 for an eating disorder when she was 15 years old, but the experience left her terrified of being admitted to hospital.
Ninety-four-year-old dies after 'hugger mugger' attack
A 94-year-old man died after he was hugged by a mugger who snatched his bank cards in a bustling London town centre.
Work starts to build refuge after £25,000 donated by one person anonymously
The Independent is thrilled to reveal we can break ground and start building a refuge after an incredible response to the Brick by Brick campaign. Geordie Greig, the publication's editor-in-chief, thanked readers for their generous donations of £71,050 so far, including £25,000 from a mystery supporter.
'Trailblazing' film and soap.star Sylvestre dies aged 79
Actor Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed.
Cherie Blair: Abuser pushed me down the stairs in court
The KC reveals her decades-long commitment to victims of domestic abuse as she backs our campaign with Refuge
Starmer's five missions at risk of becoming impossible
For a party which won a stonking majority of 174 only two months ago, Labour's annual conference starting tomorrow would normally be a celebration. Yet Keir Starmer can't allow more than a brief nod to his landslide victory, which already feels a long time ago.