Wimbledon 2023 final Highlights: Alcaraz ends Djokovic's Centre Court reign to claim maiden title
Wimbledon 2023 final Highlights: How on earth did he pull that off? Go back to the first set, which now seems ages ago. World no.1 Carlos Alcaraz, up against the man that has been synonymous with the tournament for over five years now, made a nervy start getting broken twice before losing it 1-6. The defending champion owned a 78-0 record in Grand Slam after winning the opening set. But the Spaniard, with an improved return in the second set, stretched it to the tie-breaker before ending Djokovic's run of 15 consecutive tiebreaks won at Majors. He roared back to claim it 7-6(6). The 20-year-old continued his sublime show in Centre Court to break the 23-time Grand Slam winner twice in the third set, including securing a valiant break in the fifth game after 13 deuces and on seventh break-point opportunity, to secure a two set to one lead in the final. The 36-year-old showed glimpses of what he had done against Dominic Thiem in 2020 Australina Open final with serve-and-volley strategy and he bounced back to force a deciding fifth set. But it was probably destined to Alcaraz's moment in the sun. Djokovic owned Centre Court for 10 years. He owned Wimbledon for four straight years. He was up against an Open Era Grand Slam record. But Alcaraz denied him that piece of history as he broke early in the final set before sealing the win in stunning fashion to claim a maiden Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam trophy in his career after 2022 US Open....Read More
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: YIKES!
"You inspire me a lot," Alcaraz says to Djokovic. "I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. It is amazing."
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic on new champion Alcaraz
“Amazing, amazing … I thought I’ll have trouble with you on clay and maybe hard, not on grass … amazing way to adapt top the surface, you played maybe once or twice before this year … amazing, well done to your team.”
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: ALCARAZ HAS DONE IT
Alcaraz invites Djokovic to the net and then lets rip the lob shot. 15-all. Ohh the volley! Goodness…this is different level of tennis we are witnessing. 30-15 up. Djokovic pulls one back to forehand cross court return. He goes to Championships point with an unreturned serve.
Alcaraz beats Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Quick servive hold from Djokovic
A quick hold of serve from Djokovic to make it 5-4 in the 5th set. Alcaraz will now serve for the Championships.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz a game away now
Djokovic holds serve again to put pressure back on Alcaraz. New balls have been taken. The Spaniard is left a bit unfortunate with the net standing in the way of a powerful forehand cross court. He however pulls two points back after a kick serve and the with a backhand unforced error from Djokovic. The Drop Shot! What timing! Djokovic left stunned entirely. 40-15 up now. Closes it with an ace. He is 5-3 up now!
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz keeps the lead in the 5th set
A 121kmph second serve! And that was at 0-15 down. Only Alcaraz could have pulled that one. But not enough as he goes 15-30 down. But he fights back to hold serve and keep the lead in the 5th set. He is 4-2 up now.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic remains in the hunt
Two quick service games from both as Djokovic remains in the hunt for an opening in the 5th set. Meanwhile, he received a warning from the umpire for sm ashing the racket on the wooden post.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz breaks first in the 5th set
Alcaraz is 8-1 in five-setters in Grand Slam main draw matches, with his only ever loss to Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open 2022. The Spaniard starts off the third game with a stunning return. Beautifully constructs the next point as he charged down towards the net leaving Djokovic irritated. The Serb however makes it 30-all on the next point but Alcaraz gains break point chance. BACKHAND DOWN THE LINE!! Alcaraz breaks first in the 5th set. He goes 2-1 up.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz in for a herculean task in this set
Djokovic is the player with the joint-most five-sets finals won in Grand Slams in the Open Era (five, level with Bjorn Borg). Alcaraz in for a herculean task in this set. He challenged the Serb in the opening game before the latter held serve. And then went 15-30 down on his own serve. He did equal the serve with a stunning drop shot though. But Djokovic gained break point chance with a deep return on Ad court to draw an unfirced error. Djokovic was then left shocked after his volley at the end of a long rally hit the net. The question though was whether that return from Alcaraz was in or out? The Spaniard however gained advantage quickly. And then does the damaga with the forehand down the line return. It's 1-all in the 5th set
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: To the fifth we go!
To the fifth we go! Djokovic breaks for the second time in the set to win it 6-3 against Alcaraz as the Wimbledon trophy will be decided on a one-set shootout.
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7(6), 1-6, 6-3 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic a game away from winning 4th set
Holds at love! Djokovic now a game away from taking this final to the fifth set. He leads 5-3
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Crucial hold for the Spaniard
Ohh… nasty fall from Alcaraz. Djokovic checks on him as the Spaniard takes time to recover. Alcaraz however gets the all-important hold, but Djokovic still has the edge in the fourth set as he remains in the lead: 4-3
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic consolidates lead in 4th set
Alcaraz drops his intensity. A couple of poor returns in the set saw Djokovic break his serve. And now the Serb has returned to his dominant best as he was in the 1st set. The backhand is doing more damage than the forehand for him. He holds serve in a bid to turn the tables in the fourth set. He now goes 4-1 up in the set.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic gets the crucial break
Djokovic has certainly been a bit more aggressive in this set. He is doing everything he can to defend his crown, his record, his legacy. He has now gained a break point chance against Alcaraz, who now looks frustrated at the missed opportunity to close the game. The Spaniard survives after Djokovic gets a routine backhand down the line shot over the baseline. The Serb gets a second shot after a brilliant return. Alcaraz saves another with a disguised drop shot. Very tidy way to save that break point. But an unforced error means a third break point chance for Djokovic. AND HE DOES IT!
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7(6), 1-6, 3-2 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic keeps the pressure on Alcaraz
Was something wrong with that overhead volley? No. But Alcaraz just had the perfect answer to it. What Djokovic is doing to respond to that is creating an angle out of nothing. He takes it to 40-30 with that strategy, but Alcaraz hits back with a ripping cross court forehand. Deuce. Djokovic has been charging forward more often than ever in this set now. He trying to reduce the angle for Alcaraz. And then, eventually holds serve with a stunning cross court return. It's 2-all in the 4th set.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic is still looking for an answer
Djokovic is still looking for an answer. He is asking all sorts of questions. And Alcaraz is looking a tad too strong at the moment. Djokovic, with a slice of fortune, brings it to a third deuce. The ball was going out, but hit the net and fell on the other court. Overhead volley from Alcaraz at the end of a 15-shot rally sees him gain advantage before he held serve to take 2-1 lead in the 4th set.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Big hold from Djokovic
Djokovic slips after attempting to fight back against a forehand return from Alcaraz. The Spaniard goes 40-15 up in the Serb's serve. Djokovic saves one break point with an impactful backhand down the line return. He brings it to deuce after a backhand unforced error from Alcaraz before gaining advantage and eventually holds. It's 1-all now in the 4th set
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz makes a decent start
After an extended wait owing to Djokovic taking a bathroom break at the end of the third set, Alcaraz made a decent and confident start in the fourth set to hold serve.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Nick Kyrgios has his eyes on the match
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz takes the 3rd set
Two stunning forehand returns from Alcaraz, one a passing shot another down the line. Djokovic then errs at the net and Alcaraz has triple set point opportunity. Djokovic pulls one back. But Alcaraz does the damage with a passing backhand return.
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7(6), 1-6 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Comfortable hold from Alcaraz
A comfortable hold from Alcaraz and he stands a game away from taking the 3rd set. He leads 5-1 now in the 3rd set
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: After 13th deuce…Alcaraz gets 7th time lucy
Too good from Djokovic! Adrer being denied to hold serve, he responds with a backhand down the line return to gain advantage again. Alcaraz then brings it back to deuce for the 3rd time in the game with a stunning return which leaves Djokovic annoyed. The Serb errs on the forehand, generating more power as it goes over the baseline. Advantage for Alcaraz now. But he fails to capitalise on it - 4th deuce. Djokovic gains back the advantage with a crosscourt forehand return. Looks to do it again, but it goes over the tramline. 5th deuce. A long argument with the umpire over wasting time. Alcaraz gains advantage on that. OHHH...HE MISSES IT, again! Forehand goes wide. 6th deuce. 7th deuce. 8th deuce. 9th deuce. 10th deuce. 11th deuce. Alcaraz still has a smile. 12th deuce. 13th deuce. On his seventh break point opportunity, Alcaraz breaks back again!
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz denies Djokovic a chance to break back
Alcaraz cannot afford to give away points in that fashion. Back-to-back unforced errors and Djokovic now has a chance to break back. Djokovic now frustrated with another groundstroke error as Alcaraz saves one break point before bringing it to deuce. The chance is gone for Djokovic. 3-1 it is in the 3rd set.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Finally a hold of serve from Djokovic
Alcaraz wants to get the crowd behind him. He gestures towards them to cheer loudly as he gains a stunning point on an overhead smash. He then looked to go 40-15 up in the same manner as he notched up that winning point against Medvedev in the semis but Djokovic read him well. Decent hold from Djokovic, who could have been 0-3 down in the set.
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7(6), 1-2 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz holds
Djokovic seems to have lost his momentum at least that his what his movements show in the last 15 minutes or so. And he seems to be over playing his shots. Alcaraz goes 40-15 up and then concedes the next point before holding serve.
Djokovic 6-1, 6-7(6), 0-2 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz breaks early
Djokovic is irritated as umpire calling “late for service” after Alcaraz gains advantage on his serve. And Alcaraz breaks in the opening game. For the first time in the match Alcaraz is in the lead.
Djokovic* 6-1, 6-7(6), 0-1 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz gets the 2nd set
Well, well. Two missed groundstrokes in the net and now it is set point opportunity for Alcaraz. HE DOES IT! HE DOES IT! HE DOES IT! He ends the Serbian's run of 15 consecutive tiebreaks won at Majors!
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz saves set point
Time violation for Djokovic! Boos all around Centre Court now. Djokovic however levels it to 5-all after a missed volley from Alcaraz. He is disappointed to have missed that opportunity. Djokovic…holds his nerves against an attacking Alcaraz at the net to smash that passing backhand shot. 6-5 and set point opportunity to the Serb. Alcaraz saves it! It is 6-all now.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Stunner from Alcaraz!
Djokovic looks for the drop shot, but it hits the net as he breaks into a wry smile. 3-all now. Change of sides. Tough volley for Alcaraz and he has been left frustrated as he bangs his racket on the net. He then gains a point on the next 4-all it is. DROP SHOT to PEFECTION! Stunner from Alcaraz! 5-4 to Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Advantage to Djokovic
Djokovic soars to an early 3-0 lead before Alcaraz gains one on serve and then gets an ace. 4-2 to Djokovic
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: On to the tie-breaker
On to the tie-breaker we go as Djokovic holds serve. When was the last time he lost in the tie-breaker? Not in the last two Grand Slams - 13 in a row now
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz has to break back now
A 15-shot rally and Alcaraz emerges on top. That is what he needs here. Has to be on his toes and cannot allow an inch of space to the Serb. Goes 30-15 up and then makes it 40-15 with an unreturned serve. Another of those and he holds. 6-5 and Alcaraz leads the 2nd set. He now has to break back because we all know Djokovic's record in tie-breakers.
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Outrageous from Djokovic
By the tiniest of margin, Alcaraz fails to gain set-point advantage. And then Djokovic goes 40-30 up after an unforced errors from the Spaniard. Alcaraz gets a respite as Djokovic nets a return. He needs to work around the ball and test the defending champion here. Couple of sliced returns from the two before Alcaraz looked to surprise the Serb with a drop shot that eventually struck the net. Advantage to Djokovic. Incredible from the Serb! Drop shot from Alcaraz and Novak made a stunning run towards the net, made an outrageous return leaving Alcaraz stunned.
Djokovic* 6-1, 5-5 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Alcaraz still having the edge in the 2nd set
With a bit of support from the net, Alcaraz sizes up the forehand and goes cross court. Djokovic suffers from a nasty slide on return as Alcaraz goes 40-15 up. Holds. Alcaraz still having the edge in the 2nd set
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic holds
Djokovic holds at 15 to make it 4-4 in the 2nd set. But he doesn't seem happy there as he screams a few words at his box. Wonder what he said…
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Much better response from Alcaraz
This is tennis from another planet! Djokovic made a fine adjustment but Alcaraz's return leaves him stunned and on the ground. Centre Court…they give a standing ovation. And then there is a forehand down the line return. 40-0 up goes the Spaniard. Game, with an ace! He goes 4-3 up in the second set
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic maintains pressure
Brilliant from Alcaraz as he plays Djokovic from side to side before going for the drop shot to do the damage. He will have to dictate these long rallies. Backhand down the line return. Tennis just doesn't get better than that! That is just what Alcaraz needs against Djokovic. After two such good points to go 30-0 up, Alcaraz fails to make a decent return against that 2nd serve of Djokovic, who then takes the next point as well. 30-all. Another of those faulty returns and Djokovic holds.
Djokovic* 6-1, 3-3 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Big hold from Alcaraz
That is pure muscle power! Serve wide out from Alcaraz. 30-15 now. And then goes 40-15 up but Djokovic pulls one back with a stupendous return. The smash shot, that the Serb so doesn't like at all, fetches him an important point as he brings it to deuce. Alcaraz quickly gains advantage with a stunning volley and Djokovic acknowledges it. The Spaniard eventually holds to lead second set 3-2
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: It's all level in 2nd set!
Amid the windy conditions, playing drops shots has been difficult in this matchv. But Alcaraz has now done it twice in the game and he gained both the points. But then erred on a return from Djokovic. The Serb is not getting a lot of 1st serves in this set. Only 6 in 15 attempts. And then the drama - he slips on trying to return which eventually hits the net. WHAT A RALLY! Absolutely gruesome! 29 nasty shots…lots of footwork and eventually it was Djokovic with a win. He cups his ears and urges the crowd to roar for him. Alcaraz is not happy at all and then gets outplayed after a drop shot. Big hold for Djokovic!
Djokovic* 6-1, 2-2 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic breaks back
What was that! After the double fault, Alcaraz responds with an unbelievable shot at the net. And then we witness a long rally with much confident striking from Alcaraz who outplays Djokovic with a wide forehand return. Djokovic then gets a slice of fortune at the net as his return chips the top of net and surprises Alcaraz as it goes past him. We also see Murray in the crowd, the last man to beat Djokovic in a Wimbledon final, and on Centre Court. Chance to close the game for Alcaraz at 40-30, but sends the forehand sailing over the baseline. Alcaraz has also found it difficult returning the ball everytine Djokovic has charged the net. His drop shot too hasn't been as effective as in the previous matches. Ohh no! Djokovic lets out a huge roar as he breaks back
Djokovic 6-1, 1-2 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: ALCARAZ BREAKS
Djokovic looks a bit distracted after Alcaraz gains the first two points. He looks up to his box before serving. And then with a bit of luck at the net, he escapes from being 0-40 down. OUTRAGEOUS DEFENSE! The backhand return got the ball back at baseline before he dished out the forehand return to outplay Alcaraz. 30-all it is. Alcaraz dispatches a powerful overhead volley to make it deuce. Also, Djokovic is taking a lot of time between 1st and 2nd serves. Almost 12-15 seconds and he is doing it deliberatly. The sarcastic claps again after he misses a return. He feels, ‘Why are they supporting Alcaraz?’ And unforced return and Alcaraz has a break point chance. BREAKS! 48 minutes after the start of the match, the Spaniards breaks for the first time.
Djokovic* 6-1, 0-2 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Good start from the Spaniard
Two very strong serves from Alcaraz and he goes 40-15 up and eventually holds serve. That's a good start from the Spaniard after he lost the first set.
Djokovic 6-1, 0-1 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Djokovic wins the 1st set
Djokovic holds serve at love to take the opening set 6-1.
Djokovic* 6-1 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Finally, Alcaraz holds serve
Bit of luck for Alcaraz, as his return hits the net cord hard and then falls on the other side. Then gets an unreturned serve. 30-0 up now. Ohh…the double fault! Couldn't have found a worse timing. The Spaniard nicely constructs the next point, finishing with a volley and then holds serve with a passing forehand shot. Centre Court applauds and roars.
Djokovic 5-1 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Comfortable hold of serve for the Serb
Just the start of the match but the Centre Court crowd is already behind Alcaraz, who is the underdog in the contest despite his achievements so far. The Serb gains a comfortable hold of serve.
Djokovic* 5-0 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Horror start for Alcaraz
The wind is swirling and Djokovic, standing in front of the Royal Box, is returning into the wind. Alcaraz…ohh that could have been damaging. As he went forward to return the drop shot, he slipped with replay showing an extension at his knee which could have been bad. He failed to return a volley and Djokovic has double break-point chance. Alcaraz saves both. Djokovic eventually gains an advantage and then breaks again.
Djokovic 4-0 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: ‘36 is the new 26’
That was a long, long rally! Even at 36, Djokovic is going toe-to-toe with his 20-year-old opponent. And eventually an error of judgement from Alcaraz saw Djokovic fightback to 30-all. TWEENER! Alcaraz's mastery has Centre Court on its feet, but Djokovic nods his head to say that was out. OUT IT IS! Alcaraz smiles and spectators sigh. Djokovic eventually holds
Djokovic* 3-0 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Not the start Alcaraz would have wanted
What a return! That was out wide to Djokovic on the forehand side and the Serb responded with a destructive cross court return well outside the reach of the Spaniard. 0-30 for Djokovic. A gust of wind at the time of Djokovic's return and he adjusted supremely to gain three break-point opportunities. Alcaraz saved one after an unforced error from Djokovic and then another with a powerful forehand return. But Djokovic became third time lucky! What a break of serve
Djokovic 2-0 Alcaraz*
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: Tough hold for Djokovic
Alcaraz gave himself an early chance to break Djokovic in the opening game, but the Serb showed his experience as he denied the opportunity and comfortably held serve.
Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2023 final Live Updates: The blockbuster final gets underway
And the final, that we so much waited for, is underway on Centre Court. Will we witness the usual with Novak Djokovic continuing his reign or can Alcaraz pull off one of the greatest upsets?
