In an epic clash of veteran champion and upstart newcomer, Carlos Alcarez won a showdown that will no doubt go down in history. Many are already calling it the “changing of the guard.” It goes a long way toward the belief these young players need to overcome the last of the big three. Djokovic is without a doubt (sorry to those who disagree) the greatest of all time. He’s the most complete player the world has ever seen. He’s the kryptonite to Nadal and Federer. He’s still got plenty left having won Australian and French this year. He almost too easily got through his draw. But this story is about Carlos. Congrats Carlos Alcarez, 2023 Wimbledon Champion!
How did Carlos do it?
A lot of folks will analyze this to death. I’d say it came down to breaking through and forcing Djokovic to do more with the ball than he typically has to. In the first two sets, it seemed Djokovic was winning the battles and the war. He was content to grind out points. Alcarez couldn’t outlast him and couldn’t outhit him often enough. If Djokovic had found a way to win the 2nd set, this entire story I’m sure would be different. Later in the match, there was a shift. It was Djokovic feeling the need to be more aggressive, driving the ball into the corners more than just placing it. I knew he was in serious trouble at that point. Djokovic knew it too. You have to make a champion believe he is vulnerable. You have to get him to question his belief and for a moment, realize he could lose. Even Djokovic’s supreme confidence has chinks. Alcarez was able to do it. No one else has been able to do it at Wimbledon in 10 years. Federer had him 4 years ago and he also had a long history with Djokovic’s respect. That’s all it took, another GOAT candidate and 8 time Wimbledon winner. Alcarez had to prove it. And prove it he did!!
History made / History missed
For Alcarez, a first Wimbledon title continues to carve his own history. Now two majors and #1 in the world at the age of 20, his future is as bright as anyone we’ve seen in many years, really since the big three arrived. He has the combination of power, speed, groundstrokes, serving, volleying that is rare. Oh, and he’s still getting better. Medvedev, perhaps not the best grasscourt player around, but surely a fantastic hardcourt player that has challenged Djokovic and Nadal, has at times looked overmatched against Alcarez. That’s saying something. Where will Carlos go from here? It will be fun to watch. He’s a threat and now maybe even the favorite at every major.
For Djokovic, he’s the GOAT. He has nothing to prove yet plenty left to accomplish. He’s one win away from the all-time grand slam record of 24 by Margaret Court. He’s one away from tying Federer’s 8 Wimbledon’s. His best hardcourt surface is coming up for the U.S. Open and Australian Open. His chances of winning one or even both are still high. This loss, though, felt different than when Medvedev upset him at the U.S. Open to thrwart the calendar year slam. Then, it felt like the weight of history was more Djokovic’s opponent, than Medvedev. Not to take anything away from Medvedev. His grinding style of play and mental toughness to endure rallies, plus his having been in epic battles, was probably the last person Djokovic wanted to face. Still, this felt more like Carlos just outplaying Djokovic when it counted. He turned the corner with that 2nd set and began to play more to his ability. He shed some of his tension and bolstered his belief. That’s all it took.
What’s Next for Alcarez and Djokovic?
Could we have a rivalry for 2-3 years of epic back and forth with each one finding a way to grind out victories and suffering heart-breaking defeats until Djokovic’s age catches up or Alcarez’s skills evolve? Yes, but I don’t think so. Djokovic consistently will play at a high level. It will be enough to beat everyone for a bit longer. Alcarez has showed against the rest of the field that he has a higher gear. Now he’s shown he can play at that level against Djokovic. I believe the uphill battle will become steeper for Djokovic over the next year. Alcarez’s confidence will only grow now. I don’t think there’s turning back. I think against Djokovic in the big moments, it will now be Alcarez. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the field chase Carlos. It’s time. Congrats Carlos Alcarez, 2023 Wimbledon Champion!!
What do you think? Let’s talk tennis!