Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic, summary: Alcaraz wins, score, stats & highlights | Wimbledon Men’s Final 2023
Alcaraz vs Djokovic: as it happened
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Joe
Julian Finney / Getty Images
I'm going to leave you with this photo
What a simply stunning final, and one that will live long in memory. Carlos Alcaraz is the Wimbledon men’s singles champion of 2023 and he battled like a warrior against a resilient Djokovic, beating him 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
We saw a fantastic game that swung both ways at least a million times. We had everything from lob shots between Alcaraz's legs to Djokovic slipping and sliding - and even a 30 minute match!
Carlos Alcaraz has taken the crown from Novak Djokovic, who said Alcaraz was "amazing". And rightly so: the game was a showing of resilience, both mental and physical, and it could have gone either way. Alcaraz has written his name into history and onto the golden trophy for what surely won't be the final time in his already impressive career.
Carlos Alcaraz speaks after the final:
It's a dream come true for me. It's great to win but had I lost, I would have been really proud, playing a final against a legend.
For me, it's incredible to be able to play on this stage for a boy of 20 years old. I didn't expect to reach these situations really fast. I'm really proud of myself, of my team, of the work we do every day to be able to lift this.
After the first set I thought 'Carlos, increase the level', everyone was going to be disappointed with me. I have to congratulate Novak, what can I say about him? You inspire me a lot. When I was born, you were already winning tournaments. 36 is the new 26!
It's really special [to play in front of the Spanish King], I'm really proud that you are here supporting me. It's really special. Thank you for coming and supporting.
GLYN KIRK / AFP
Here's Carlos with the trophy!
What an image for the history books!
Novak speaks after the final:
"Good afternoon, everyone. Not so good for me but good for Carlos.
What quality from Carlos, you came up with some big serves and you deserve it, congratulations. Amazing.
I though I would only have trouble with you on clay - not grass! What an amazing way to adapt to the surface. Amazing. Congratulations to your team.
I never like to lose matches like this, but I guess when the emotions are settled In have to be grateful, I won many tight matches. Maybe I should have lost a couple of finals that I won, so you know, even-steven!
I will be [proud] tomorrow morning. It's tough to swallow, but this is what we work for. I've been blessed with so many incredible matches throughout my career.
I lost to a better player and I have to congratulate him and move on."
Here comes Carlos!
And he lifts the golden trophy aloft for the first time in his career!
Now it's time for the trophy presentation!
We've got a few customary handshakes from various people before the big moment...
King Carlos is the champion!
Sixteen years younger than his opponent, Alcaraz has overcome the odds to beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon men's single final.
He runs straight to his coach for a huge bear hug. What a performance from the young man.
CARLOS ALCARAZ WINS WIMBLEDON!!!!!!!!
Novak's shot hit the net and the 20-year-old Spaniard is the Wimbledon champion!
Championship point!!!!
Novak overhit!!!!
This is sensational. Djokovic sends a forehand effort to the left side of Alcaraz who can't turn quick enough to make contact.
Brilliant from both, but it Alcaraz who gets the point after a delightful tap over the net after sending Novak one way and then the other!
This time he does make the drop shot, which Novak returns and then sends the loveliest of lobs over Djokovic's head!
A cheeky early drop shot doesn't land and Novak smiles.
Alcaraz* 5-4 Djokovic
Alcaraz serving for the Championship.
Game Djokovic! 5-4
Alcaraz can't return the serve and we're at 5-4
There's life in this game yet; Novak with a sliced shot wide.
Djokovic forces another error from Alcaraz.
Alcaraz's shot is overhit and is judged out.
Alcaraz 5-3 Djokovic*
Djokovic gets the better of his opponent in the opening exchange.
Game Alcaraz!
He smashes a forehand shot past Djokovic!
Woof. Alcaraz. Delightful. He goes for the power shot and instead brings out the drop shot at the last second.
Novak grimaces as the backhand ball flies through the air and bounces behind the baseline.
And now Novak overhits the return to see the Spaniard draw level.
Unlucky from Alcaraz as his shot clips the tape and bounces out of bounds.
How is this going to end?
Will we see another smile from Carlos? Or will the king retain his crown?
Game Djokovic!
Alcaraz overhits and now it's 4-3
A wonderful backhand shot from Djokovic is too much for Alcaraz and he can't get over to the other side quick enough.
A fantastic forehand shot from Carlos gives Djokovic no chance!
Alcaraz is sent running sideways and eventually scoops a high shot outside the tramlines.
Not the cleanest of strikes from Alcaraz but the ball dipped in time and caused Djokovic to misjudge things.
Alcaraz 4-2 Djokovic*
Djokovic forces the error and Alcaraz obliges, overhitting the shot.
Game Alcaraz!
An ace to finish things off!
Djokovic blames the breeze as he overhits a second consecutive shot past the baseline.
See my previous comment and swap the names around.
And then an overhit effort from the Spaniard that Djokovic watches bounce out of bounds.
Wow, a 121mph serve from Alcaraz who follows it up with a beauty of a whipped shot that draws him level.
Alcaraz* 3-2 Djokovic
Djokovic gets the first point as Alcaraz's shot is high and spooned into nowhere.
Game Djokovic!
A fantastic response from the Serb, who just magnificently efficient then.
Carlos finally gets on the scoreboard as Novak hits the net.
Alcaraz can't deal with the quality of his serves and fails to return it yet again.
The intensity is ramping up here as Djokovic races into an early lead.
Alcaraz 3-1 Djokovic*
Djokovic serves well and Alcaraz can't return it.
Game Alcaraz! 3-1
And that's the game!
Alcaraz is on fire! Another mistake from Djokovic.
Alcaraz forces a mistake from Djokovic. 30 love.
Alcaraz* 2-1 Djokovic
Alcaraz serves well and Djokovic can't return it.
Djokovic gets a warning for smashing his racket into the net.
Game Alcaraz!!!
The crowd has gone wild after Alcaraz and Djokovic took part in a stunning rally that ended with Alcaraz hitting a backhand effort past his opponent.
Djokovic looks skyward with a grimace on his face as he lashes the net following Carlos' return shot.
And there's the Djokovic forehand at work, which almost causes Alcaraz to hit the deck.
Alcaraz cheers to the crowd after sending Djokovic sliding on the grass with a pummelling forehand effort.
Alcaraz hits the net after a nice serve from Djokovic.
Alcaraz 1-1 Djokovic*
Carlos picks up where he left off and show his class, sending Novak side to side before it became too much.
Game Alcaraz!
A forearm shot that Zeus would be proud of gives Novak no chance!
I'm stunned with every point Carlos has won in this game. Every time he has left Djokovic flat-footed with stunning drop shots.
NOVAK CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
After a ferocious rally he risked a shot that looked wide and he had to play the ball - but it hit the net!
Alcaraz hits the net and Djokovic is on the verge of winning another game...
Delightful again from Alcaraz whose drop shot technique is in full flow, catching Djokovic out yet again.
Alcaraz's forehand swing is wild and Novak gratefully takes the points as the ball flies wide of the line.
Beautiful play from Alcaraz who fools everyone and throws in a drop shot that Novak can't reach.
Alcaraz* 0-1 Djokovic
Alcaraz gets called out and Djokovic takes the lead.
Game Djokovic!
Alcaraz's backhand is overhit and bounces out.
Advantage Novak who is causing problems with his powerful serves.
Are you kidding me?!
Simply sensational tennis from Alcaraz, who hits a curling forehand just over the net and past Djokovic.
Advantage Djokovic as, once again, Alcaraz can't return the serve.
Back here so soon? Deuce once again as Alcaraz swipes into the net.
Beautiful play from Alcaraz who draws in the Serb before seeing the ball fired behind him!
And we're level! Alcaraz sends Djokovic running right before volleying the return shot to the opposite corner.
Now it's time for the Serb to make a mistake and Alcaraz gets back into the game.
Djokovic takes an early lead after an overhit backhand from the 20-year-old Spaniard.
Alcaraz tries a volley but it skews off his racket and the first points of the final set go to Djokovic.
The Serb to serve...
Here we go!
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6 Djokovic*
Here's how things stand going into the fifth set.
SET DJOKOVIC!
Alcaraz's nerves are too much and he gives Djokovic the set after mis-hitting his serves! The final will go down to the fifth set!
Novak overhits and gives Alcaraz a much-needed lifeline.
The style is being turned on by the Serb, who is forcing mistakes from Alcaraz left, right and centre. The Spaniard can't cope at the moment.
Fantastic play from Djokovic who must be taking lessons in ageing from Luka Modric. He takes the first points after a deft touch down the line.
Game Djokovic!
3-5 as things stand. That was seriously impressive from Djokovic.
See my previous comment.
Novak is hugely aggressive in this game and is forcing mistakes from Alcaraz
Alcaraz's backhand shot is too powerful and bounces out.
The early wind has also died down now, thankfully.
Alcaraz 3-4 Djokovic*
Three hours and 48 minutes in, give us a wave on Twitter @English_AS if you're still with us!
Game Alcaraz!
The serve is too much and Alcaraz cuts the gap.
3-4
Alcaraz lets Novak's hit go past him as it flies out of bounds.
Djokovic can't send back the return shot from the serve and instead hits the net.
Ouch. Alcaraz has fallen over after being pummelled by forearm shots from the Serb menace in front of him. He says he's OK.
Alcaraz* 2-4 Djokovic
A fantastic sliced shot to the corner from Alcaraz gives him an early lead in this game.
Game Djokovic!
The Serb now leads 2-4 in Set 4.
Alcaraz is stunned when Djokovic gets to his drop shot, but the return is simple enough to deal with and Alcaraz taps it to the opposite corner.
Alcaraz slips and almost recovers, but Djokovic is in control, forcing errors from the Murcia-born man.
Neat from Novak, who slices a cheeky effort away from the Spaniard.
A simply God-like forearm from Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak for pace and thunder and lightning. What a hit.
Djokovic serves and Carlos, who is sent right then left, eventually overhits past the baseline.
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 2-3 Djokovic
The Serb takes control of the fourth set.
Game Djokovic!
Carlos' drop shot fails to clear the net!
Advantage Novak: Alcaraz's backhand hit the net.
We're level again after a wonderful disguise from Alcaraz: Novak simply stood and watched.
Advantage Djokovic after a brilliant return sees Alcaraz unable to recover his position in time.
It's deuce as Novak overhits and despite challenging the call, it's reviewed and given to Alcaraz.
Djokovic goes ahead: Alcaraz's backhand across the court was wide.
Alcaraz has a chance to go ahead but he hits an awful shot that bounces well wide.
And then that happens. A mistake from Novak sees his shot smash into the net.
A delightful tap from Djokovic gives Alcaraz no chance: the Serb has become more aggressive and is keen to show he's not done just yet.
Alcaraz 2-2 Djokovic
First point to Alcaraz after some wild volleys are returned from the Spaniard, who evenutally sees Djokovic overhit.
Game Djokovic!
A wonderful shot to finish that bounces in the corner shows us that there's life in the 36-year-old yet!
Advantage Djokovic as Alcaraz's looping backhand shot is too cute and lands just out.
We're level! Alcaraz hit a sliced backhand, bringing Djokovic forward before ripping a cross-court forehand past him.
Djokovic is still here and he wants to remind us all. A fantastic forearm shot towards the right sends Alcaraz flying and he hits a wild shot into the crowd.
We draw level after Novak overhits his attempt to fire past Alcaraz.
Wonderful! Just as Nole looks to be in control, Alcaraz slashes a high ball over the head of his opponent in a fabulous forehand cross-court winner!
Alcaraz loops a high shot in the air that bounces behind the baseline.
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 2-1 Djokovic*
Djokovic opens the scoring as he makes Alcaraz run wildly before smashing a volley past him.
Alcaraz takes the game!
Djokovic is going to have to find some stability and power from somewhere; Alcaraz is looking in control and is taking the game to the Serb.
Alcaraz shows huge strength to send Djokovic to the left before he returns a high ball for the Spaniard to slam past him!
Djokovic's shot down the line clips the tape and leaves Alcaraz with no chance of getting to it.
ACE! Alcaraz takes the lead!
Deuce once again after failed serve attempts from Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic scrambles across and Carlos gets close to the net to tap the volley towards the left corner: an impossible task for the Serb.
Alcaraz skews his effort after sliding on his heels and Novak draws level.
Alcaraz races from outside the court to the left side but despite reaching the ball, he can't get enough on it and it doesn't clear the net.
Cruise control from Carlos who forces the error from his opponent once again.
And Carlos takes the lead with a fine backhand volley after the serve that sent Djokovic into the corner!
Another unforced error in today's game, this time from Alcaraz, sees Djokovic draw level.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 7-6 6-1, 1-1 Djokovic
First points to Carlos as Novak overhits a return.
Game to Djokovic!
It's 1-1; Djokovic is still here.
Djokovic turns on the style and sends Alcaraz slipping and sliding. A delicious drop shot gives him no chance.
We've been here before. Alcaraz overhits and we're level.
Alcaraz's backhand is poor as he stretches and it fails to clear the net.
Djokovic slides and his legs do a fantastic impression of a 1950s ballerina, opening wide and crashing to the floor. Alcaraz is in control.
Djokovic gets one back after he sends Alcaraz sliding down the left side of the court, forcing his opponent to mis-hit the shot.
Great umpiring but things aren't going well for Djokovic, who missed the shot thinking it was out.
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6 6-1, 1-0 Djokovic*
Crazy running side to side from Alcaraz almost sees him lose out - but Novak slices his drop shot and it drops too early!!
Game! Alcaraz!
He can't return Alcaraz's serve and the Spaniard takes the lead!
Djokovic is sent scrambling and can't return Alcaraz's volley that he smashed down the middle.
And we're level! Alcaraz is forcing Djokovic to put his own power on his shots which is causing him to overhit them.
A ferocious serve is unable to be returned: Alcaraz closes the gap.
Djokovic extends his lead after Alcaraz finds the net too many times from the serve.
Novak gets the first points as Alcaraz dives down and overhits his shot.
And we're off!
Alcaraz to serve
Here he comes! Good thing Novak's not a newsreader, or I'd sack him.
We're ready to go again...
Well, some of us are. No sign of Nole.
Alcaraz is asking the umpire how long the break has been.
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 6-1 Djokovic
Alcaraz has kept himself in this and Djokovic has begun to make a few uncharacteristic mistakes.
There are 16 years between the two, surely that counts for something when you're taking part in a 30-minute game.
That fifth game will live long in the memory, what a showing of mental and physical force.
You can't help but think that Novak knew that third set was done, let's see how he sets up for number four.
Alcaraz takes the third set!
That's the set!
Carlos overhits a shot and gives Alcaraz a lifeline.
Djokovic is seeing this set slip away as his drops shot doesn't clear the net.
Alcaraz is turning on the style now! What a wonderful hit!
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 5-1 Djokovic*
A wonderful forehand shot from Alcaraz who sweeps the ball past Novak on his left.
Game Alcaraz!
That was easy enough for the Spaniard who was granted the game by a mistake-filled Novak.
That was 24 minutes shorter than the previous game.
Now it's Carlos' turn to hit into the net after a nice return from the Serb.
Is Djokovic feeling tired?
He hits one into the net as he tries to return the serve.
Copy and paste my previous comment. Djokovic overhits centrally once again.
Alcaraz takes the lead after Djokovic's return is overhit.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 7-6, 4-1 Djokovic
Here's the score as things stand
What a performance. What a game we've got here.
AND THAT'S IT!!!
Djokovic hits the net and Carlos takes it!!!
7th break point...
And now he takes the lead as Djokovic overhits!!!!
I can't believe it! Alcaraz brings it back! What a hit past Nole!
Advantage to Novak, who watches Alcaraz's return bounce just behind the baseline.
What a game we have on our hands....
And it's out! We continue.
Djokovic challenges... if he's wrong that's the game
Advantage Alcaraz once again. Djokovic, again on the right side of the court, fires a forehand shot across into the net.
We go again. Alcaraz sends a wild shot in the air and out.
Djokovic goes for the cheeky drop shot on the left and it doesn't pass the net. Faitgue is creeping in for both men.
Tenth deuce. Alcaraz's looped shot drops behind the baseline.
Advantage Alcaraz, who makes Djokovic go from side to side and eventually hits the net.
Deuce again! Djokovic overhits.
Alcaraz follow up his mistake... with another one. This time it's a shot that hits the net.
We continue. Alcaraz this time with the mistake from a shot down the line.
Alcaraz goes ahead as Djokovic's hit is too much and flies out.
This, by the way, is the 7thdeuce.
And we go on... Djokovic hits the net.
Djokovic takes the lead with a delightful shot to the left after Alcaraz is made to work hard with a series of drop shots that drag him round like a rag doll.
Alcaraz skews a shot high and it loops up into the air, a wasted opportunity.
Advantage Alcaraz after the serve is wide. Djokovic is distracted.
We're back underway.
He's being told off for time wasting.
The crowd are getting rowdy!!
Boos from the crowd as Djokovic goes over to talk to the umpire...
And again, guess what?
We're level!
Djokovic slices a shot wide and it bounces out of bounds.
Djokovic sends Alcaraz sliding as he strikes a wonderful forehand effort to the Spaniard's left side.
Deuce once again; Alcaraz overhits.
Advantage Alcaraz. Djokovic makes a mistake and overhits a central shot.
My word, we're level again. Djokovic goes for the drop shot and mis-hits the ball, slicing it into the net.
AMAZING!
What an unstoppable backhand from Djokovic! It bounced just on the corner of the court.
A stumble from Djokovic sees his shot hit the net and we're level again. The wind is definitely having an impact on proceedings.
Advantage Djokovic with a ferocious forearm hit that can't be caught, landing just next to the line. Lovely stuff.
And another error from the Serb, who has somehow allowed Alcaraz back into this.
The cheer every time Alcaraz gets a point is huge.Another one there after a Nole error.
Five balls are now in play after one of them is deemed too soft.
Superb from Djokovic, whose volley catches Alcaraz completely off guard.
An angry cry from Alcaraz is heard after a poor slice lands before it crosses the net.
Carlos overhits a forehand effort and Djokovic gratefully accepts.
Unlucky from Novak who gets on the end of a mis-hit shot from Alcaraz, but his effort skews as well and hits the net.
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 3-1 Djokovic*
Djokovic challenges and it's overturned. Point replayed.
Alcaraz takes it!
Djokovic overhits and now Alcaraz leads 3-1.
Alcaraz shapes to hit before cushioning a drop shot that catches Nole out. Delightful.
I don't know what just happened. Djokovic skews a wild shot that must have been affected by the breeze inside the ground.
And now it's Novak who makes a mistake, with a forehand effort that hits the net. Hands in the air in annoyance with himself.
Djokovic takes the lead even further after Alcaraz makes another mistake, overhitting yet again. Break point.
Carlos tries to catch his opponent out by sending him left and going right, but his shot is overhit once again.
And just like that, he's back in the game. Alcaraz's looping shot bounces past the baseline.
Hands in the air from Nole as he overhits a central shot to give Carlos the points.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 2-1 Djokovic
We've got a quick break now...
And Djokovic takes the game!
He gets one back after Alcaraz had taken a 2-0 lead this set.
Ah, a poor effort from Carlos sees Djokovic take the lead.
So close from Alcaraz! Djokovic did brilliantly.
Djokovic had him spinning and twisting like a chomping crocodile and eventually he forces the mistake from the Spaniard after a touch is too heavy and bounces out.
And he takes the lead!
A sliced backhand by Djokovic doesn't get over the net.
WONDERFUL! THE CROWD ARE ON THEIR FEET!
Alcaraz smiles as he smashes a volley past Djokovic who was drawn in by the drop shot.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 2-0 Djokovic
Alcaraz hits the net and Djokovic opens with the point.
Game! Alcaraz!
The Serb hits the net and Alcaraz extends his lead!
Alcaraz just overhits one of his central shots and allows his opponent back into the game.
I can confirm it is. Novak is having trouble generating his own pace on the shots and he's overpowering them wildly.
Another win for Alcaraz as Djokovic returns the serve past the baseline. The momentum is with the Spaniard.
Djokovic's return is wide of the line and Alcaraz draws level.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 1-0 Djokovic
A superb rally comes to an end when Alcaraz's shot hits the net.
Alcaraz takes the lead!
Djokovic's serve is returned by the Spaniard and then subsequently hit into the net by the Serb.
Fantastic from Alcaraz, who draws Nole in with the drop shot before the backhand is over the head of his opponent.
Deuce. Alcaraz's return is down the line but spins just out.
A fantastic rally ends with an overhit looped shot from Djokovic, who watches Alcaraz go into the lead.
Wow... Djokovic mistimes his swing as the bounce confuses him: he misses the ball completely!
ACE FROM DJOKOVIC!
Djokovic looked in control of the rally until Carlos attempted a drop shot... that fell too early.
A backhand effort is smacked into the net by Nole; Alcaraz with the lead.
Third set, here we go!
Djokovic to serve...
Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6 (8-6) Djokovic
Here's the score, as things stand.
AND THAT'S IT FOR CARLOS! 7-6
A backhand winner! The crowd goes wild!
One set a piece in a fantastic game of tennis.
Djokovic hits the net... Alcaraz takes the lead!
My, oh my. We're level again. Djokovic hits the net in a weirdly weak shot that caused everyone to scrunch up their faces in confusion.
Delightful play from Djokovic, who battles back from a couple of Alcaraz volleys to fire past his opponent.
The crowd respond with chants of 'Nole! Nole!'
We're level again!
Alcaraz tries a backhand volley that hits the net.
Djokovic is finally warned for his timekeeping.
The crowd are on their feet!!!! What a shot fromAlcaraz! He set up to hit hard and tricked everyone, going for the drop shot which is simply sensational.
Wonderful! Alcaraz sends Djokovic running to his right before sending a shot the other way, back where he came from. Gorgeous.
Djokovic's drop shot catches Alcaraz out and the Spaniard's effort clatters the net.
We're level! Djokovic goes for the cheeky drop shot which is too short and finds the net.
Lovely from Alcaraz who hits a ferocious forehand shot past his opponent.
The lead is cut as Djokovic's return bounces past the baseline.
And again, Djokovic takes the point with some solid defending.
And again, Alcaraz overhits a central effort that Novak watches bounce out of play.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 6-6 Djokovic
A quick review shows Alcaraz's backhand shot to be out.
Djokovic takes the game! 6-6
Tie break coming up as Alcaraz makes the same mistake again.
Djokovic has not lost a tie break since April...
It's Alcaraz this time who makes a mistake, hitting his effort way to hard down the middle.
Alcaraz fights Djokovic's efforts well and finally gets his reward as the Serb overhits an effort that attempts to catch him out.
Another overhit effort from the Spaniard, who has done a lot of that today.
Is it the nerves?
Alcaraz finds his groove this time and returns the serve ferociously, smacking the effort past Djokovic.
Alcaraz 1-6, 6-5 Djokovic*
Nole wins the first points after a return shot from Carlos is too easy to handle.
Alcaraz is back! 6-5
This is a hugely even match, with both players forcing mistakes from each other.
Another point for Alcaraz, whose serve is too much for Djokovic to return.
Djokovic overhits a return past the baseline. This is a hugely entertaining battle we've got.
There's the Carlos we all know and love. Some fantastic forehand effort make the Serb run left to right, and his effort pays off when Djokovic hits the net.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 5-5 Djokovic
He's in cruise control now. Alcaraz is under pressure after another unforced error.
Djokovic makes it 5-5!
Brilliant tennis. A drop shot from Alcaraz forces Djokovic to sprint and he makes it, flicking a return effort away from the Spaniard. Beautiful.
Alcaraz messes up, going for the drop shot instead of continuing the rally. A huge error...
Deuce as Alcaraz goes big and gets his reward. An error from Djokovic this time.
We've got a very annoyed Spaniard who continues to make mistakes, this time his forehand effort is too powerful and bounces out.
A look of frustration on the face of the Serb whose effort smacks the net. A poor effort.
Alcaraz with another mistake and Djokovic takes the lead.
Tremendous from Djokovic who is sent flying but somehow manages to return the ball to Alcaraz: his effort is then just too powerful and the point is wasted.
Alcaraz 1-6, 5-4 Djokovic*
Djokovic slices a shot to the right that flies out of bounds. Alcaraz with the opening points.
And it's Alcaraz! 5-4
Djokovic's return hits the net. Alcaraz raises his fist.
Djokovic slips and the racket goes flying, Alcaraz with the points. It could have been nasty.
ACE FROM ALCARAZ!
WHAT A HIT!
Djokovic's forehand clips the tape and gives Alcaraz time to steady himself and whip a forehand across the court.
Alcaraz 1-6, 4-4 Djokovic
Frustration from the Spanish side as Djokovic is playing every trick in the book, and it's working: another mistake from Alcaraz.
Djokovic takes it!
Easy peasy for the Serb, once again. Alcaraz's level has dropped...
Alcaraz can't get a hold of things at the moment, as Djokovic is imperious, smashing balls past the 20-year-old like cannon fire.
Wonderful from Djokovic again, who's cross-court shot is too much for Alcaraz to return, hitting the net.
I'm not sure why we haven't seen a time penalty for Novak, who continues to take his sweet time with every serve.
We're level after Djokovic hits the net following a nice rally between the two.
Djokovic's cross-court forehand smash is too powerful and Carlos looks at the ground as it whizzes past him, taking some hair off his head.
Alcaraz 1-6, 4-3 Djokovic*
Everyone was on their feet for that last point, and this time it's no different.
Djokovic takes his time again with the serve, and the clock even stops...
Alcaraz goes ahead! 4-3
The Spaniard has found his flow and goes ahead in this set. Finally, a quick game for the player who almost sent the Serb sliding into his chair.
Alcaraz is in ruthless form after Djokovic gives him a shot that is slightly too easy for the Spaniard to take advantage.
The lead is extended by Carlos after wonderful play that is given a standing ovation from the crowd. A drop shot sends Djokovic flying, but he makes the shot and Alcaraz finishes off easily with his opponent on the floor.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 3-3 Djokovic
Alcaraz sends the Serb wide and hits the volley that he can't reach
Djokovic takes the game
Easy for the Serb, who is full of confidence too.
Djokovic takes the lead after he catches Alcaraz off guard and smacks a shot past him.
Boom. And just like that, we're level. Djokovic's serve is too much to handle, and the return is easy for him to make the most of the situation and fire a shot past the Spaniard.
After two points to set up love 30, Alcaraz gifts his rival a point, something that he can't afford to do.
Beautiful from Alcaraz, who is finding his feet on the grass. A strike down the line is unable to be returned and he looks like he is in the groove.
Alcaraz 1-6, 3-2 Djokovic*
Brilliant play from Alcaraz, who works Djokovic side to side: a drop shot pulls him in before a shot across court is impossible to return.
Alcaraz takes the game!
Djokovic hits a wild shot wide and Alcaraz takes the lead.
The Spaniard takes the lead as Djokovic hits the net on the return.
We're back level after it's now Alcaraz who overhits...
Advantage Alcaraz; Djokovic's shot is overhit.
Djokovic, on the offensive, is unstoppable. He sends Alcaraz running wild and eventually the Spaniard gives up, with his return effort skewing out of bounds.
But the Serb bounces back: Alcaraz can't make full contact as he spins and slips, seeing the ball dribble past him.
Djokovic's backhand effort down the line is too wide and Alcaraz races into the lead.
Carlos goes ahead with a wonderful hit that can't be returned by Djokovic.
A slice from Djokovic allows Alcaraz to draw level.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 2-2 Djokovic
First points to Djokovic, he hits hard and draws the mistake from Alcaraz who finds the net.
Djokovic gets the game, that's 2-2
What a fantastic performance from Djokovic, we're seeing the mental strength of the man who has won so much.
Djokovic returns Alcaraz's drop shot with a wonderful return effort that the Spaniard cannot get to.
What a beautiful point of tennis as Djokovic raises his hands to the crowd. 29 fiery shots that ends with Alcaraz just overhitting a forehand effort.
A slip sees Alcaraz up for the break point after the Serb's shot finds the net. There is a sense of frustration from the player.
Djokovic regains ground when Alcaraz's hit is deemed out by the umpire.
Again, the Serb is taking forever with his serves.
But he takes advantage of his strategy as Carlos makes a mistake in the drop shot, which he slices and it falls in his own half.
And the second! A pair of drop shots are delightful but Novak slices his return that doesn't make it over the net.
Alcaraz 1-6, 2-1 Djokovic*
Alcaraz takes the first point after a nice return.
Djokovic takes the game!
A huge roar from the Spaniard is mighty but his cross-court forehand shot is too powerful and flies out.
It's the Serb who takes the slim lead after a looping shot over his head from his opponent bounces just out of bounds.
Deuce again: The Spaniard went for it with a forehand but the bounce was just past the baseline.
Alcaraz retakes the lead after a forehand hit from Djokovic has too much on it.
Alcaraz gets his angles all wrong after the ball flicks off the tape and Djokovic cuts the lead down once again.
Superb tennis as Alcaraz's forehand shot makes Djokovic dance and he watches as it flies past him.
A wonderful drop shot from Alcaraz gets him the point as he finally goes on the offensive, sending Djokovic scrambling down the right side.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 2-0 Djokovic
Djokovic's return down the line is too far away for Alcaraz to get to.
Alcaraz takes the second game!
Djokovic overhits a return and the crowd goes wild!
Advantage Alcaraz, who certainly has the crowd on his side. A weak drop shot from Djokovic hits the net.
Djokovic is winning the mental battle as he takes an age with the serve before Alcaraz overhits the return.
Alcaraz with the advantage as Djokovic's drop shot is well returned.
Deuce as Alcaraz sends Djokovic sprinting to the right and returning a huge looped shot in the air, allowing Alcaraz to watch it drop before smashing a shot that the Serb can't reach.
Nerves creeping in for Carlos?
He hits a forehand shot that bounces out and Djokovic takes the lead.
An outrageous forehand shot from Djokovic drives the ball down the line and Carlos can only stand and watch.
A delightful drop shot from the Serb clips the tape and gives Alcaraz no chance.
After a nice rally, Djokovic's shot is just too long and Alcaraz's lead grows.
Alcaraz 1-6, 1-0 Djokovic*
Djokovic is certainly taking his time with the serves today. And his double serve is fired way out of bounds. Point to Alcaraz.
Alcaraz takes game 1
A good start from Alcaraz, who forces a mistake from Djokovic who hits wide.
A fantastic start from the Spaniard who takes another leap forward with a nice forehand effort.
Alcaraz makes Djokovic find the net after a drop shot causes doubt to creep into the legs of the Serb.
A fantastic set of drop shots from both players ends with Alcaraz's looping effort landing just out.
Alcaraz* 1-6, 0-0 Djokovic
The Spaniard opens set 2 with the points after watching Djokovic's looping shot drop past the baseline.
Djokovic wins set 1
The Serb has been imperious and has put Alcaraz under all sorts of pressure. 1-6 is an ominous score for the Spaniard to start proceedings today.
And a mirror image of what we've just seen: Alcaraz finding the net after a strong Serbian serve.
A big second serve is too much for Alcaraz to return who hits the net.
Alcaraz 1-5 Djokovic*
Djokovic takes the first points and there's a plea for quiet from the umpire.
Alcaraz takes the game!
It's taken 30 minutes but the world number one returns a shot past Djokovic and the crowd jump for joy!
Djokovic's court speed is put to the test as Alcaraz sends him left then right and eventually the gap is too big for him to return Alcaraz's effort.
Alcaraz's serve is just too central and that's the score level.
The Serb gains a point after Alcaraz gets ahead of himself and fires a forehand shot centrally and past the baseline.
Now it's Djokovic who overhits and Alcaraz's lead grows and the crowd cheer wildly.
Alcaraz* 0-5 Djokovic
First points to the underdog whose shot fortunately taps the top of the net and drops impossibly from Djokovic to return.
And that's it: Djokovic takes game 5
The return from Alcaraz is easy to hit back and Djokovic races into a 0-5 lead.
Alcaraz messes up a drop shot that lands in his own half of the court.
The Spaniard gets a cheer from the crowd as he loops a shot over the head of Djokovic to gain some ground.
And now a hugely powerful hit from the Serb can't be returned.
Alcaraz 0-4 Djokovic*
Djokovic is forcing mistakes from Alcaraz who loses out on the first points.
Djokovic takes game 4
The Serb gets the advantage and the game point. He's on fire and Alcaraz looks frustrated.
And it's deuce as Alcaraz's serve is Thor-esque and Djokovic smacks the net on his return shot.
Djokovic's return is overhit and Alcaraz cuts the gap.
Alcaraz is not happy and throws his arms in the air after hitting the net once again.
Alcaraz tries a drop shot which is returned by Djokovic. The Spaniard then slips and gives the points to his opponent.
And Alcaraz bites back as the Seb hits the net on his next return.
Alcaraz* 0-3 Djokovic
A wonderful return sees Djokovic take the first point
Djokovic takes game 3
The Serb is all business today, and has a formidable look on his face as he takes game 3.
Alcaraz loses the point after a quick review from a delightful shot between his legs that looped over Djokovic
What a fantastic rally that was!
Both players went all-out and fired shots towards each other, with Alcaraz's looping effort dropping just behind the baseline.
Alcaraz takes the lead after Djokovic whips a wild forehand shot that goes way off course...
Djokovic, after a nice rally with his opponent, goes to pull it short but catches the net.
Alcaraz 0-2 Djokovic*
Alcaraz's drop shot backspins and goes out; Djokovic starts off with the points again.
Djokovic takes game 2
Well, well, well, Alcaraz overhits again and the game is over.
Djokovic 0-2 as it stands.
The comeback is on!
Alcaraz swept a wonderful forehand to Djokovic's left, catching him out.
Alcaraz gets his first point of the game after a nice forehand is returned with too much power by Djokovic.
Alcaraz overhits another shot that Djokovic watches bounce just out. The Spaniard is trying hard but has had no luck so far.
And another point for the Serb. And what a point it was.
The ball was fired across the court after a nice forehand from Alcaraz that was returned with a huge amount of power and fired past him.
Djokovic takes the first point in the second game after a nice return from the serve.
Alcaraz* 0-1 Djokovic
Alcaraz to serve...
Djokovic takes game 1
The Serb takes the first point of the day after something of a battle between the top seeds in the world.
Advantage Djokovic
The first proper rally we've seen ends after Alcaraz overhits a shot past the baseline. The crowd are on edge...
2nddeuce as Alcaraz bits back and forces the Serb to fire into the net again.
Advantage Djokovic
The Serb forces Alcaraz all the way over to the left for a backhand return before tapping it past the Spaniard.
And it's deuce after Alcaraz overpowers a backhand return shot that Djokovic sees out.
Break point now for Alcaraz as Djokovic hits into the net.
We're level again after Djokovic's accurate serve is returned just outside the line by the Spaniard.
Djokovic hits the net on his first serve and slips after his second, allowing Alcaraz to fire past him on his right side.
It's the Serb who overhits his shot after Alcaraz returns the serve and he draws level.
And we're off!
Djokovic serves to Alcaraz who returns it past the baseline.
Djokovic with the first point of the day.
Are we about to witness a changing of the guard today?
Today might the day that the King passes his crown onto the Prince.
We are just minutes away.
The mutual respect here is incredible to see. Big smiles from both players who share a hug.
Here's the coin toss:
A small, 8-year-old boy, supporting WaterAid, will perform the coin toss.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the toss.
The roof is still open, and the heavy, grey clouds still have the best view of the court.
Djokovic, despite being the number 2 seed, leads the way out of the locker rooms.
And here come the stars!
Alcaraz and Djokovic make their way onto the court!
What an atmosphere at Centre Court!
Whose name will be written on the famous trophy?
"I know what to do, I know how to approach this match", say Djokovic, who has won the last 4 editions of the tournament.
As for Alcaraz, were he to beat the heavy favourite, it would be the first time the Spaniard would get his name etched onto the famous prize.
Ten to go and the excitement is building!
The buzz around the ground is almost a physical object that can be caught and put in your pocket; the fans have packed the four sides and there is not one empty seat in the house!
"I'm so, so excited to play in a final against a legend of tennis", Alcaraz said to the BBC ahead of the tie.
Djokovic is the heavy favourite today, with Spanish bookmakers not supporting their man and instead giving a 3-0 sweep for the Serb the likeliest result.
We're all on edge in terms of the weather
Are we going to see the roof open or closed? Are the covers coming on?
Eyes are flickering nervously from side to side as the clock ticks down and the weather refuses to budge. Umbrellas are sprouting up like mushrooms outside the stadium as the crowd finally give in and cover themselves.
The atmosphere is building...
And we've got royal presence at the final today, with Princess Charlotte spotting a police dog ahead of finding her seat in the stands.
Alcaraz's trainer has spoken to the BBC
On preparing Alcaraz for Novak Djokovic: “I don’t think too much about all theses statistics. Novak has been unbelievable in this tournament for so many years. We have to believe in Carlos, we have to play our best level and not think of his performance here in recent years. Try to believe in himself and try to do it."
On Alcaraz being nervous before the final: “He is. Nerves are good, make you pay to attention to everything. Nerves will come but we are prepared.”
Hmm, the rain has just started and the wind has picked up...
We all want to keep the roof open, but if this weather persists, then we may see it closed. However, the forecast did predict this particular moment ahead of the start time and we should see a definitive decision on the roof made in around 15-20 minutes.
Since the weather is still positive from an English point of view, the fans are packing the stadium and are also filling the famous hill on the outside of the arena, with the strawberries and cream in full flow.
The origins of the strawberries and cream at Wimbledon are thought to date back to the early 16th century, another classic English tradition. But what is the full story behind this curious choice of food at Wimbledon?
Weather update:
We've just had a slight shower, but it's stopped and the blue sky has returned.
We're not sure if they are going to play with the roof open or closed, with temperatures lingering around 20ºC (68ºF).
It is, however, incredibly breezy.
The warmups are underway:
CarlosAlcaraz was calm and friendly, giving away signed balls to the crowd after a relaxing yet incredibly focussed warmup session. He'll be doing everything to not repeat what happened in the French Open earlier in the year, although the cooler temperatures should help avoid that.
Novak Djokovic, 16 years older than his opponent, looks unbelievably fresh on his feet and has been tip-top in his movements on the grass. He's been happy to play the pantomime villain in the lead up to today's final, and appears to revel in the 'bad guy' costume.
Jimmy Butler, a self professed fan of Carlos Alcaraz, was absolutely loving the Spanish tennis star's win over Medvedev in the semi-final at Wimbledon. The Miami Heat man certainly didn't hide his feelings watching the Spaniard play.
Mohammed Badra / EFE
The last time Alcaraz faced Djokovic...
It was at the French Open this year, where Djokovic and Alcaraz met at the semi-final stage of the tournament.
The tie was billed as a future classic, with both players in ferocious form heading into the tie.
As soon as it began, the game was living up to its expectations, with both players playing at their maximum output: and thendisasterstruck.
Alcaraz began to feel cramp throughout his whole body which soon seized up, later saying that “I have never felt something like I did today. I have never felt that tension that I did in that match”.
The match ended 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 to the Serb and the cause of the cramp was later put down to stress.
ANGELA WEISS / AFP
Alcaraz's first title
Last year saw Carlos Alcaraz win his first Grand Slam title, at the USA Open, where he beat Casper Ruud 4-6, 6-2, 6-7, 3-6.
“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old,” Alcaraz said. “So everything has come so fast. For me it’s unbelievable.
It’s something I dream since I was a kid, since I start playing tennis.”
At 19, he became the youngest ever number 1 in the world.
We can all imagine the huge personal and professional pride that comes with winning a tournament such as Wimbledon, but how much money gets put in the pocket of those that compete?
Well, the prize money ranges, depending on your final position, and it all comes from a huge pot of £44.7m ($58.5m USD).
The men's singles winner gets £2.35m ($3 million) and coming second bags you a sum of £1.175 million ($1 million).
In case you're wondering, here's how you can watch the Wimbledon men's final today.
Djokovic on the verge of history
The Serb is one win away from not only equalling Federer’s Wimbledon record, but also the record set by the aptly named Margaret Court and her 24 grand slam singles titles.
Recent history also suggests that Djokovic is in the perfect form to do so, having won the last 3 tournaments in a row -Wimbledon last summer and this year’s Australian and French Opens - and six of the last eight.
Markéta Vondroušová shocked the world when she beat heavy favourite Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4, becoming the first unseeded woman in the Open Era to win the tournament.
“I don’t know what is happening, it is an amazing feeling. Ons congratulations, you are such an inspiration for us....
Thank you to my box, my little sister is crying! I mean it is amazing, tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary. It’s great to have you guys here, I enjoyed the two weeks so much. I am so grateful and proud of myself.
I made a bet with my coach, if I won a grand slam he was going to get a tattoo too – I think we are going to go tomorrow! I think I am going to have some beer, it was an exhausting few weeks. Thank you guys for the support!
A fantastic statistic...
MisterChip is the Spanish man with the stats and this time he's pulled a whopper out of the bag: Novak Djokovic has not lost on Centre Court at Wimbledon for 10 years.
The final touches to Centre Court...
We're all watching the clock now as the time draws closer to that first serve of the day, with history beckoning for both players.
The weather looks decent as well, there are a few lingering clouds but touch wood things should hold up.
However, this is England, so don't let that blue sky fool you - we know that things can change in a flash.
Djokovic's Wimbledon record:
Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon record speaks for itself: he has won the tournament a stunning seven times and if he claims an eighth today, he will draw level with the legendary Roger Federer for most Wimbledon wins in men’s history.
His first time at the tournament was way back in 2005, where he made it to the third round.
Djokovic's first final appearance came in 2011, where he beat Rafa Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.
Since then, in the 10 editions of the tournament we have seen, the right-hander has either reached the quarter-finals or beyond, all except for one year, in 2016.
Alcaraz's Wimbledon record:
The 20-year-old is in his first ever Wimbledon final, after only having made the second round in 2021 and the fourth round in 2022.
However, he is the men’s player who has won the most matches in 2023 and has won a tour-high five ATP titles this year.
A win today would see the man from Murcia claim his second major title, after winning a first at the US Open last year.
ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP
Djokovic: how he got here
The Serb is on the verge of making history today (more on that later) and swept aside Jannick Sinner 3-6, 4-6, 6-7(4) in the previous round, with some fantastically efficient play, smashing 11 aces past his opponent.
Before that, in the quarter-final, he beat Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 3-6. A shaky start was soon forgotten about after Djokovic settled and started dictating the play with ease. He comes into today’s game on fire.
ANDREW COULDRIDGE / REUTERS
Alcaraz: how he got here
The Spaniard has shot to the top of the World Rankings and has made this year’s Wimbledon final after a few close calls in previous tournaments.
He cruised past Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final on July 14, beating him 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. It only took three sets to beatHolgerRune before that, so it seems that Alcaraz is finally feeling back to his best.
Hello!
Hello and welcome to AS USA’s live coverage of the men’s Wimbledon final!
It’s Joe here to guide you through the cracker of a tie we’ve got today on Centre Court: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic!