By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Carlos Alcaraz completed a performance for the ages by overpowering Novak Djokovic in sweeping fashion, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, to claim this year’s Wimbledon championship on July 14, 2024.
Facing the same opponent he defeated for his first Wimbledon title last year, Alcaraz looked comfortable and played his best tennis on the grass surface, denying Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending men’s singles Grand Slam title.
Too powerful and too quick, the Spanish ace seized early momentum by scoring two crucial break points to easily gain a 1-0 set advantage in the championship match.
Alcaraz dominated the baseline rallies and outclassed the Serbian star with his top-spin forehand strokes, which had a significant spike rate on the grass surface.
His game plan to catch Djokovic off guard at the baseline and fire top-spin strokes to negate his court mastery proved effective.
As a result of Alcaraz’s power in the baseline exchanges, Djokovic failed to gain momentum and was always on the defense, his offensive power limited to slices.
Alcaraz’s rampage continued in the second set, showcasing his consistent service game with a perfect serve hold throughout the frame.
When Djokovic attempted a comeback by pressing inside the net area during the last game points of the second period, Alcaraz shut him down with brilliant points from unorthodox hitting angles.
Djokovic finally put up a fight in the third set with more precise shot selection, but Alcaraz always had answers and didn’t allow the Serbian to establish his footing in the finals.
When Djokovic tried to slow Alcaraz’s pace with more lobs, the two-time Wimbledon champion continued to pummel him with forehand bombs, sealing the deal.
With the win, Alcaraz collected his fourth Grand Slam title and secured back-to-back Wimbledon championships.
