Carlos Alcaraz says winning Wimbledon marks the happiest moment of his life after ushering in a changing of the guard in men’s tennis by toppling Novak Djokovic in a five-set epic.
The 20-year-old Spaniard broke Djokovic’s stranglehold on Wimbledon by ending the Serb’s 10-year winning streak on Center Court – and says he will always look back fondly on this moment no matter how many Grand Slams he wins.
“Writing history like I did today is the happiest moment of my life,” said Alcaraz, also the reigning US Open champion. “I don’t think it will change for a long time.
“Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon is something I’ve dreamed of since I started playing tennis. That’s why this is the greatest moment of my life.’
Alcaraz, who has been cheered on by royalty including Spain’s King Felipe and the Prince and Princess of Wales, says he won the title for himself and not for the so-called next generation of tennis after Roger Federer retired, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray and Djokovic almost at the end.
Carlos Alcaraz said winning Wimbledon was the ‘best moment of his life’
The Spaniard came from a set down to win 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 against Novak Djokovic
“I did it for myself, not for the next generation,” he said. ‘It was amazing. To beat Novak at his best, at this stage, to make history, to be the man who beat him after 10 years undefeated on that field, is great for me.
“It’s something I’ll never forget, that’s for sure. It’s also great for the new generation, I think I can see him beat it and make them think they can do it too.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic met in the semifinals of the French Open last month, but the Spaniard suffered from expectations and succumbed to the pressure. Some feared a repeat here, but the world number 1 says he is now a ‘different player’ than he was in Paris.
“I’m a totally different player than the French Open,” he said. “Since then I’ve grown a lot. I learned a lot from that moment.
“I mentally prepared myself a little differently before the match, so that I could deal with the pressure and nerves better than I did at the French Open. I didn’t come down, didn’t give up (on a set down). I think it was the mental part that kept me there through the five sets.”
Alcaraz’s victory dashed Djokovic’s hopes of becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Grand Slam on the calendar – he won all four majors in a year – and Laver himself said: “Congratulations with your first Wimbledon crown Carlos.
“A stunning performance against one of the greatest champions of all time. I’m sure there will be many more great battles between you two.”
The pair will likely be seeded first and second at the US Open in September and Alcaraz added: “I think I’ve shown I can meet him in the biggest stages after epic matches.” I think I’m ready to move on and become Novak’s big rival.’
Djokovic was visibly emotional after the loss, but remained friendly when he addressed the press.
“All credit to Carlos and his team, what a quality,” he said, “when you had to serve big, you came up with some big serves and big play, so you deserve it, congratulations.”
The Serb gave a tearful interview after the loss and thanked his son for his support
“I thought I would have problems with you on clay and hard courts, but not on grass, but maybe it’s a different story now.
“Great way to adapt to the surface, you played on grass maybe once or twice for Wimbledon this year, and what you did in Queens, great. Congratulations to your team.’
He also cited his young family in the crowd, but had to stop and calm himself as he added, “It’s nice to see my son, who’s still there, still smiling.” I love you, thank you for supporting me, I’ll give you a big hug and we can all love each other.”
On the nature of his defeat, Djokovic added: “You never like to lose games like this, but when the emotions have settled I have to be thankful. I won some exciting finals that maybe I should have lost, like against Federer in 2019, so this is even-Stevens!’