Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest world number 1 ever and the reigning U.S. Open and Wimbledon Champion. A tennis legend in the making, Alcaraz is the biggest Tennis attraction since the emergence of the Big 4. Interestingly, many others have been named the future of tennis, but a few have lived up to those expectations.
However, the world has high hopes for Alcaraz. In the Wimbledon final on Sunday, he showcased why, as he defeated Novak Djokovic to win his first Wimbledon title. The last time someone not named Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Andy Murray won the Wimbledon trophy was in 2002. A time when Carlos Alcaraz wasn’t even born.
Today, with a piercing forehand and a consistent double-handed backhand, many, Including Novak, consider him an amalgamation of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. Moreover, he is incredible at adapting his game to match the surface and the playing conditions.
What Changed in The Wimbledon?
It is not the first time Alcaraz has faced Djokovic in a Grand Slam Final. The two also battled in this year’s French Open final, with Novak winning in 4 sets. During that final, Carlos Alcaraz cramped up and couldn’t show his best game. As Carlos admits, It was the nerves. But who would blame him? Novak Djokovic is probably the toughest opponent one can face on a tennis court, on any surface. And His mental fortitude is second to none.
When Alcaraz reached the Wimbledon final, many believed it’ll be the same old Djokovic win. Who in their right mind would believe that a 20-year-old would defeat THE Novak Djokovic? The same guy who in the past has defeated Roger Federer on the same grass court from a match point down to win the championship?
This time, the challenge of playing one of the greatest tennis players was the same, but Carlos and his aura were different. He was hungry for the win, and so was Djokovic. However, unlike their clay battle, Carlos seemed unfazed and was more sure of himself and his play.
In tennis, what separates good players from the greats is their mental strength and the way they approach the big points. Novak is known as the master of mental toughness and has been on the greener side of the grass in the past, winning many matches.
When the match went to the final set, most expected Novak to wrap things up in the usual fashion. Mostly because he has done this countless times. However, this time he was on the receiving end of it. Carlos was the better player throughout the match and capitalized on the crucial moments much better.
As a result, after a decade of winning streak at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic was finally defeated 1–6, 7-6(6), 6–1, 3–6, 6–4. And it took a special talent in the form of Carlos Alcaraz to do it.
Why Carlos Alcaraz Is The Future?
Novak Djokovic called Alcaraz a complete player. Why? Well, He has a lethal forehand and an equally impressive backhand. In addition, while his baseline game is solid, he also showed he can adapt to serve and volley when needed, which is a key to being effective on the Wimbledon grass.
At just 20 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already bagged two grand slams on two different surfaces. To become the face of a historically rich game like tennis, along with your shot-making abilities, you need mannerisms that people can look up to. While Carlos Alcaraz is young, he has the talent and champion-esque class, two things vital to be a worthy tennis champion, and possibly one of the all-time greats.
