Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon men’s singles final

Carlos Alcaraz has won the Wimbledon men’s singles title, ending Novak Djokovic’s winning streak.

The 20-year-old Spaniard beat his Serbian opponent in an epic five set match 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 to lift the trophy for the first time.

After overcoming a nervy first set, in which he won only one game, he dug in and produced a series of stunning passing shots to defeat one of the greatest players of all time.

Alcaraz slumped onto the Centre Court grass after Djokovic’s final forehand dropped into the net.

He becomes the youngest man to lift the Challenge Cup since 18-year-old Boris Becker won the second of his three Wimbledon titles in 1986.

It is the first time the title has been won by someone other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic or Andy Murray since 2002.

Speaking to Sky News after his win, Alcaraz said that he was “really, really nervous” during the match.

“My legs were shaking, I was shaking.

“I’m really happy with the way I dealt with that really tough moment.

He added it was “probably the most nervous moment of my life”.

For Alcaraz, it is a second grand slam victory after he claimed last year’s US Open. He remains the world number one.

Speaking afterwards, he said it was a “dream come true” and he had not expected to be playing in grand slam finals so early in his career.

He has played just four tournaments on grass, including Queen’s last month, which he also won.

“I fall in love with grass right now,” he quipped.

To his opponent, he said: “You inspire me a lot.”

King Felipe VI of Spain was there to witness the victory.

Writing on Instagram, Rafael Nadal said Alcaraz had “given us immense joy today”.

Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig were also on court, as was Andy Murray.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte were watching from the royal box.

Alcaraz’s victory stopped Djokovic from claiming his eighth Wimbledon title, something that would have put him level with Roger Federer.

The number two seed was on track for his 24th grand slam win and his fifth consecutive Wimbledon victory in a row – minus the 2020 tournament, which was cancelled because of COVID.

Djokovic said he “lost to a better player and I have to congratulate him and move on”.

He said he “never likes to lose matches like this” but had won many close contests in the past.

It is a “tough one to swallow”, he said.

Before the match, Alcaraz said that going up against a “legend from our sport” made the final more special.

“I always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Novak is one of them. It would be great if I can do it,” he said.

The pair last met on court during the French Open semi-finals last month, where Djokovic took the last two sets 6-1, 6-1.