Carlos Alcaraz delivered an epic performance in the final of Wimbledon with a 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. It was the match everyone was hoping to have when the fortnight began, with the world’s two best players going toe-to-toe for the title at the All-England Club and also for the No. 1 ranking on the ATP Tour.
Many wondered how Alcaraz would respond following his loss to Djokovic in May at Roland-Garros, where his own nerves and cramping helped dictate the result. This time, despite a slow start, Alcaraz more than managed the pressure and handed his opponent a very rare loss on Centre Court. Djokovic had been unbeaten on the main stage at Wimbledon for an astonishing ten-plus years heading into the match!
Alcaraz, who only turned 20 in May, came into the Championships as the youngest No. 1 seed at Wimbledon since Boris Becker back in 1987.
Following the victory, Alcaraz shared what it meant to him to be a Wimbledon Champion.
“It's a dream come true for me, being a Wimbledon champion, something that I really wanted. Honestly, I didn't expect to get it really soon. It’s time to enjoy and share everything, all my feelings. It’s a dream.”
Alcaraz will make his debut in Toronto during the Wednesday night session at the National Bank Open this August. Get your tickets to see the Wimbledon champion now!
Djokovic was denied the opportunity to tie Roger Federer’s record eight Wimbledon titles and also sees his chances of going for the Calendar Slam disappear with the loss to Alcaraz. He certainly had his chances in this match, none more so than in the second set tiebreak where he had a set point to go up two sets, but his usually reliable backhand failed him on that crucial point.
Read also: Examining Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray’s Wimbledon Dominance
Djokovic handled the loss with his typical good sportsmanship and had several kind comments to share about his opponent, including a comparison to the Big 3, which is not something to be granted to just any tennis player.
“I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest,” said Djokovic after the loss. “Roger and Rafa have their own obviously strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for successful career on all surfaces.”
Rest of the Field
By far the most inspiring story in the men’s draw was that of 27-year-old qualifier Christopher Eubanks. After recently winning a grass court title in Mallorca, the first ATP trophy of his career, Eubanks continued his hot play on the grass at Wimbledon. In the process of making the first major quarter-final of his career, Eubanks also set a Wimbledon record for most winners in a fortnight with 321, breaking the previous mark set by Andre Agassi in his title run back in 1992.
Other big results were had by No. 3 seed Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Eubanks to reach the semis at Wimbledon for the first time in his career. Eighth-seeded Jannik Sinner also played outstanding until he ran into Novak Djokovic in their semifinal match. For the 21-year-old Sinner, it was the first time making the final four at a Major.
Read also: Flashback to 2018 - The Last “Normal” ATP National Bank Open in Toronto
Finally, credit to Andy Murray who at the age of 36 and with a surgically repaired hip battled as we’ve been accustomed to watching over the years in a five-set, second-round loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Canadian Content
For Denis Shapovalov, Wimbledon offered a glimpse into what he’s capable of doing with his talent on the court, but also showed us his limitations at the moment with injury concerns.
Making the fourth round was the best showing we’ve seen from Shapo since he made the quarter-final at the Australian Open at the start of 2022. After his loss to Roman Safiullin, the Canadian revealed that he has been playing with an injured knee since before the French Open and that definitely hindered his quest to make it to the final eight in the draw.
Felix Auger-Aliassime is also seeking to return to full health as he hasn’t been at 100% since before the clay court swing. He fell in the opening round to Michael Mmoh in four sets.
Finally, Milos Raonic made his long-awaited return to Grand Slam action and played admirably by winning a match at a major for the first time since the 2021 Australian Open. The hard-serving Canadian won against Dennis Novak in the opening round before bowing out to 16th seed Tommy Paul in the second round.
After all that Raonic has done for the sport in Canada, it was great to see him looking fit and reminding us all of what he’s able to do when playing pain-free. He has committed to playing the National Bank Open in Toronto in August in front of his hometown fans but beyond that will have to wait and see how his body handles the return to top-level tennis.
Doubles
In men’s doubles, the No. 1 seeded team of Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski lived up to their billing and captured the first Slam of their partnership which began in 2022. In that time the pair have won eight ATP titles leading up to Wimbledon, which now represents the biggest title for the duo. They defeated the 15th-seeded tandem of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos in the final 6-4, 6-4.
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open August 5 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!
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