Produced by: Hitansh Gaur
Wimbledon 2023 ended on Sunday with the current world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz beating world no. 2 Novak Djokovic to lift his second Grand Slam trophy.
The final between the current top two tennis players in the world lasted for more than four hours. The five-setter marathon ended with Alcaraz beating Djokovic by 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Carlos Alcaraz has also become the first player outside the ‘Big Three’ (Federer, Nadal and Djokovic) to win the Wimbledon since 2002.
While Alcaraz won the Men’s Singles title, the Women’s Singles ended with Marketa Vondrosouva becoming the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon Women’s Singles title as she defeated Ons Jabeur in two straight sets of 6-4, 6-4.
The players from Spain and Serbia have met three times in their career so far. The first match between them was last year in Madrid 2022, which ended with a victory for Alcaraz. The second time was at Roland Garros 2023 where Djokovic got his revenge. With the Wimbledon 2023 win, Alcaraz has once again taken the lead.
Carlos Alcaraz was born in El Palmar (Murcia) on May 5, 2003. He received his first tennis racket at the age of three. His grandfather was the first one to have an interest in tennis as he became a member of a tennis club. Alcaraz’s father was a semi-pro player who finished as a runner-up in the Spanish Championship, he now runs a tennis academy.
Alcaraz made his Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) debut in Rio Open 2018 at the age of 16. He won his first ATP title the next year at Plava Laguna Croatia Open. With this, he also became the youngest ATP tour winner since Kei Nishikori (18) in 2008.
Alcaraz won the Masters 1000 tournament on his home turf last year. He defeated his idol Rafael Nadal and Djokovic on consecutive days to clinch the title.
Congratulating Carlos Alcaraz on his Wimbledon win, fellow Spaniard and Alacaraz’s idol Rafael Nadal tweeted: "Congratulations @carlitosalcarazz . You have given us immense joy today and for sure our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is as a member of Wimbledon whom you have joined today. A very strong hug and enjoy the moment Champion!!! We're having a great time with our team!"
After Madrid, Carlos went on to win his first Grand Slam at the US Open 2022. He defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud in a four-set match to become the youngest Grand Slam winner at the age of 19, breaking the record of Rafael Nadal.
The 20-year-old player from Spain is currently at the top of ATP rankings after winning two Grand Slams, four Masters 1000 tournaments and six ATP singles titles.
After the historic display at Wimbledon, Alcaraz is now set to defend his US Open title at this year’s Grand Slam. US Open 2023 is set to begin on August 28 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.