We could be in line for one of the greatest Wimbledon finals in recent memory on Sunday as Carlos Alcaraz goes up against Novak Djokovic for the men’s crown on Centre Court.
It’s the world number one against the world number two. The future of tennis against its present. Both players are remarkably gifted and this showpiece is in line to deliver some box office entertainment.
Defending champion Djokovic is into his fifth straight final at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and is seeking as many titles in that run. The Serbian legend has made further history by becoming the first player in the Open Era to reach 35 Grand Slam finals.
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The 36-year-old has the opportunity to tie the record for the most Grand Slam titles (24) in the Open Era which is currently held by Serena Williams. Djokovic leads the way in the men’s bracket but to tie Williams’ record will only add to his already established greatness.
Even though he is edging closer to 40 he is showing no signs of slowing down, as evidenced in his straight set victory over Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. He has already won two majors this year, the Australian Open and the French Open. He is one match away from winning Wimbledon to make it three and be on course for the Calendar Slam with the US Open rounding off the year in September.
Of course it was a stumble at the US Open against Daniil Medvedev that denied him this immortalising accomplishment back in 2021, the closest he has gotten to this feat in his career. Djokovic will look to join John Budge, Maureen Connolly, Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Steffi Graf in completing the Calendar Slam.
Djokovic has a desire to add this to his already glowing CV and it would go down as his greatest accomplishment in the sport.
Alcaraz could put a dent in this dream, however. The young Spanish prodigy is already showing us how he is years ahead in his development compared to his age. The 20-year-old got his hands on his first major at last year’s US Open and that experience will serve him well for his second Grand Slam final appearance.
Heading into Wimbledon, this was the match people were hoping to witness and thankfully the stars aligned for the pair to meet in the final with everything at stake. Alcaraz disposed of Medvedev in straight sets in the semi-finals like Djokovic did with Sinner, and the athleticism he showed with the stunning match point highlights just how frightening his potential is.
Djokovic knows all about this but as he has been showcasing throughout this year’s edition, experience has been trumping youth with ease. The only difference this time is Alcaraz is no ordinary youngster. The veteran is aware of Alcaraz’s desire but that same fire still burns bright inside him.
When looking ahead to the final with the man 16 years his junior, Djokovic said: “"He's hungry but I'm hungry too. So, let's have a feast."
The tension is building for this clash that has so much potential. If Djokovic can fend off the sport’s future it will be another sign that it is still going to be a while for anyone to knock him off his perch. If Alcaraz can topple the man seeking a record-breaking eighth Wimbledon title in the Open Era, he will be in a strong position to assume the throne that Djokovic will leave behind when he eventually retires.
