To prevent Novak Djokovic from going down in history, Carlos Alcaraz staged a stunning victory on Sunday night in the 2023 Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz prevailed over Djokovic in an exciting five-set encounter after nearly being broken in the first set against a player who hasn’t lost in the event since 2017, on Centre Court since 2013, or in Grand Slams in 27 games. Alcaraz explained how a message from Rafael Nadal before the final prevented Novak Djokovic from breaking Roger Federer’s Open Era record. This came after Alcaraz achieved the biggest victory of his career.
Seven-time champion Djokovic was one victory away from surpassing Federer as the Wimbledon champion with the most victories during the Open Era. A record-breaking 24th Major would also put him in a position no player, male or female, has ever reached in Open Era history. Alcaraz, though, stopped him from making tennis history and preserved Federer’s Wimbledon record.
Alcaraz recently admitted in an interview that Nadal was a major factor in his plan to defeat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and win his first championship.
After winning his second Grand Slam championship, Alcaraz was asked which congratulations he was most excited to receive. He responded, “Rafa’s. Rafa gets you especially excited anytime he congratulates you because, at the end of the day, he is your idol. Fernando Alonso, a driver I respect, also offered his congratulations.
Will Smith’s congratulations to me caught me off guard. There have been numerous texts from my friend Jimmy Butler that have made me happy. Since there have been so many legendary athletes and artists, I don’t want to leave anyone behind. I noticed that Sebastian Yatra had written “this is for you” in a song and dedicated it to me. It’s fantastic that so many people are congratulating you.
The 20-year-old, who followed Nadal (2008 and 2010) as the second Spaniard in the Open Era to win the grass court Major, said that the 22-time Grand Slam champion had also written him a message before the final to wish him luck.
“Yes, yes, he sent me a message,” he said. I appreciate him sending it in the first place to wish me luck on the final. It’s admirable that someone like him, who was and still is one of my boyhood heroes, gives you strength and luck for this momentous occasion.
Alcaraz will now turn his attention to the US Open, where he will compete as the defending champion, presenting a novel and unique challenge for the young player.
