The 2023 Wimbledon men's final will be talked about for years to come at the sheer quality and outstanding tennis produced by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz emerged the winner, avenging his recent loss to Djokovic at Roland Garros and leaving London with his maiden Wimbledon title after a titanic five-set win over the seven-time champion. The outpouring of praise came from all corners of the watching world, and Djokovic was the first person to personally applaud his opponent at the net.
The Serb, an endearing champion in his own right, is also the sport's most gracious runner-up. Djokovic didn't hold back in leading the praise for a player who took him by surprise throughout his evolution and meteoric ascent within the global ranks of men's tennis.
Djokovic, who for the most part of his career has fought the duopoly of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to spearhead the emergence of the Big 3, has a unique challenger that perhaps he never saw forthcoming. Djokovic in his post-match presser sang the choir of admiration for Alcaraz.
"I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger and Rafa have their own obvious strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces."
Djokovic has played over 1000 matches in his pro career on the ATP Tour and taken part in some tennis classics down the years against his two biggest rivals. But his admiration and appreciation of Alcaraz's game is enough justification he holds the young Spaniard in high regard.
Sunday's final defeat was the first time Novak Djokovic lost a match at Wimbledon in six years. But the Serbian star is looking forward to more battles with Alcaraz, who now takes a 2-1 lead in the head-to-head ahead of the North American hard-court swing, which kicks off in August.
"I hope we get to play in US Open. Why not? I think it's good for the sport, 1 and 2 in the world facing each other in almost a five-hours, five-set thriller. Couldn't be better for our sport in general."
0 Comments