Alcaraz Becomes Youngest Wimbledon Winner Since 1986

Carlos Alcaraz defeated reigning champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set match to become the youngest Wimbledon winner in over 35 years. At just 20 years old, Alcaraz has burst onto the scene and seems to have taken the torch as the top tennis player in the world. Alcaraz has now won twelve singles titles on the tour and two of the last four majors.

Sunday’s title match lasted a grueling five hours as Alcaraz outlasted seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic. Djokovic jumped out early, winning the first set 6-1, but the young Spaniard quickly responded by winning the next two sets. Djokovic took the fourth set 6-3 to force a fifth and final set with the tournament title on the line. 

Many expected the inexperienced Alcaraz to crack under the pressure of a fifth set as both players were exhausted, but the young star rose to the occasion. Alcaraz took the fifth set 6-4 and took home his first Wimbledon title. This was the first loss at Wimbledon for Djokovic since 2017.

Much like fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz had been dominant on clay, but some questioned if he could keep up that level of play on grass surfaces. It is safe to say those questions have been answered with a resounding ‘yes’ as Alcaraz’ two major wins have been on grass.

With the big three of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic either retired or aging, Alcaraz has taken the top spot and is expected to hold that crown for a long time. At only 20 years old, Alcaraz is only going to get better and could be one of the next greats in the tennis world.

Alcaraz and Djokovic are sure to have some great battles left as the “Djokers” career nears an end. Once Djokovic calls it a career, it will be interesting to see if any other up-and-comers can challenge Alcaraz for the number one spot over the next 10-15 years.