Last year’s final will have a sequel on Sunday, as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz square up to determine who will be crowned king of grass.
Both men ousted their semi-final opponents and look to provide yet another spectacle on Centre Court, much to the delight of SBOTOP tennis fans.
2023 Wimbledon champ Alcaraz could do the double on seven-time champion Djokovic and inflict what would only be the latter’s third defeat at the tournament’s final.
Chasing greatness
There’s no denying that Alcaraz’s career is poised to soar to unprecedented heights. At 21, his achievements already equal—if not surpass—those of the ‘Big 3’ members when they were at the Spaniard’s age.
But as talented as he is, his road to the final wasn’t easy, to say the least. He dropped sets—and at times, looked mortal—against Frances Tiafoe, Ugo Humbert, and Tommy Paul.
Last night’s semi-final victory against former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev was all the same.
The 28-year-old Russian avoided the embarrassment that he took against Alcaraz when they met here in Wimbledon at the same stage last year.
Medvedev won the first set on a tiebreak, but not without controversy, as he was almost given the boot for unsportsmanlike conduct.
But as the game went on, Alcaraz’s quality and depth became apparent.
His shot-making ability and endless drive proved to be too much against the lanky Medvedev, who played his heart out and, at times, looked to have finally solved the Spanish puzzle staring him from across the court.
Alcaraz, though, was a machine. He did not let up and took the game from Medvedev’s hand completely, blasting winner after winner, and improving on his serve to neutralise his downed foe in four sets (7-6, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6).
“I know how I’m going to feel before the final, I’ve been there before,” the joyful Alcaraz said during his on-court interview.
He’ll be going for his fourth Grand Slam title and second-straight Wimbledon championship on Sunday.
Djoker’s playground
The upcoming final would be Djokovic’s 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at SW19. Aside from Alcaraz, Andy Murray was the only other player to have beaten him in a Wimbledon final—that was way back in 2013.
Djokovic, who had to withdraw from Roland-Garros with a meniscus injury, is still yet to win a title this year. But as recent form suggests, he may finally end his drought come Sunday.
He has only dropped two sets en route to the final and stifled Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in their semi-final affair yesterday.
The gulfing class in experience was apparent, and with Djokovic finding an extra gear to stay ahead, he was just a tad too great for the flamboyant Italian (6-4, 7-6, 6-4).
Just like most Djoker matches of old, his consistency and grit in playing the important points were key to his victory; he won’t mind leaving the eye-catching Wimbledon 2024 highlights to his opponent so long as he wins in the end.
In fact, Musetti produced the shot of the match when he ran the length of the baseline and hit a Federer-esque backhand pass to go 1-3 up in the second set.
But the 37-year-old Serbian was too solid and, even in the midst of occasional jeers from the crowd, did not seem to lose his cool as he once again played a small violin to celebrate going to another Wimbledon final.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic had nothing but respect for Alcaraz. “He’s as complete of a player as they come,” he said.
Prior to this win, there were plenty of fans saying that Novak’s draw was extremely favourable, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz placed in the same bracket.
It did not do his image any favours when his supposedly quarter-final opponent, Alex de Minaur, had to pull out because of an injury.
This final between Alcaraz and Djokovic will be their sixth meeting altogether, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head record by three wins to the former’s two.
Wimbledon 2024 odds may slightly favour Alcaraz due to beating Djokovic in a grueling five-setter last time they met on Centre Court and considering their forms this year.
Whatever the result, this final is a must-see and will be etched in the annals of the sport.
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