Clash of titans and historical stakes: Djokovic-Alcaraz, the class struggle

Fasten your seatbelts, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are set to meet once again in the Wimbledon final.

Their very first meeting, in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters 1,000 in 2022, was an epic one (Alcaraz’s won in 3 hours 36 minutes in a third set tie-break), as was their final in Cincinnati last year. And in a way, their first Grand Slam match, in the semi-finals of Roland-Garros in 2023, marked by “Carlitos'” stress cramps, had been epic, too. As Djokovic said after his victory against Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-finals, we expect nothing less than another legendary encounter on Sunday.

That said, the two men reached the Wimbledon final via very different routes. Alcaraz’s path seemed to be mapped out, it was all the clearer when Medvedev took out Jannik Sinner, who was a little sluggish in the quarters. While Djokovic’s participation in this year’s tournament is nothing short of a miracle underwent knee surgery a month ago the day after his withdrawal from the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros.

“In a way, it’s surreal,” conceded the Serbian player, who will, remarkably, play in his first final of 2024.

If he wins, Djokovic:

• He will become the joint record holder (men) for the number of Wimbledon titles (8), tied with Roger Federer. In the women’s race, Martina Navratilova has 9.
• Won his 25th Grand Slam title, an improved record.
• He will also improve on his record as the oldest winner in Wimbledon history (37 years, 53 days) that he has held since last year.
• Won the 99th title of his career overall, still closer to Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

If he wins, Alcaraz will:

• He will become the 4th player aged 21 or under to win four Grand Slam titles, after Björn Borg, Mats Wilander and Boris Becker (Open era).
• He will become the 3rd player aged 21 or under to have several Wimbledons to his name, after Björn Borg and Boris Becker (Open era).
• He will become the 6th player to win the Roland-Garros Wimbledon double after Rod Laver, Björn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (Open era).

WHAT THEY SAID

Novak Djokovic: “Carlos surprised us all last year. As a Spaniard, and given the way he plays, seeing him win at Roland-Garros or even the US Open was less surprising than seeing him win Wimbledon. I see a lot of similarities between him and me in this ability to adapt to each surface. I would say that this is his main characteristic: he has the weapons to play equally well on all surfaces and regardless of his opponent. It is very complete. What he has already accomplished at his age is impressive. We all agree that he will win many more Grand Slams. So I hope he leaves me that one, and then I’ll cheer him on!”

Carlos Alcaraz: “Last year it was an extremely difficult match against Novak, he really caused me big problems. At least I know what it’s like to play against him. I’ve already faced him several times in Grand Slam or Masters 1,000 finals. I know what I have to do. And I’m sure he knows what he has to do to beat me. It’s going to be an interesting match, that’s for sure. But I’m ready to take up the challenger and give the best of myself.”

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