World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz ended Novak Djokovic’s hopes of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam to claim his maiden Wimbledon title in a five-set epic, 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4.
The young Spaniard looked to be on his way to victory when he recovered from a nervous start to take a two-sets-to-one lead, only for Djokovic to show once again his remarkable powers of resilience.
It was he who appeared in the ascendancy at the start of the fifth set but back came 20-year-old Alcaraz to claim victory after four hours and 42 minutes, finally landing a meaningful blow for the young guns against the man 16 years his senior.
Alcaraz slumped to the court after Djokovic’s final forehand dropped into the net before sharing a long embrace with the vanquished Serb.
READ ALSO: Alcaraz faces Djokovic in Wimbledon final
Alcaraz, who has added Wimbledon to his US Open title, said: “Well it’s a dream come true for me. It’s great to win but even if I had lost I would have been really proud of myself, playing a final against a legend of our sport.
“After the first set I thought ‘hmmm… Carlos increase the level’. I have to congratulate Novak. I started playing tennis watching you. When I was born you were already winning tournaments. But 36 is the new 26. It’s amazing.”
Spain’s King Felipe was in the royal box supporting his country’s new star.
Felipe said: “It’s special to play here in front of royalty. I am really proud you are here supporting me. You’ve come to watch me twice and I won, so I hope you come some more.”
Djokovic, looking to win an eighth title and a fifth in a row at the All England Club, raced away with the opener 6-1 in 34 minutes.
Alcaraz was unable to cope with Djokovic’s tactical awareness with the Serb making just two unforced errors to take early control of the match.
The Spaniard’s nerves seemed to settle at the start of the second set and he broke Djokovic serve to lead 2-0.
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