Carlos Alcaraz is a two-time Wimbledon champion, and he did so today with remarkable ease.
Claiming the first two sets over Novak Djokovic with speed, the third saw a minor fightback from his legendary opponent, but in the end, it was not enough.
The damage had already been done, and at two sets down the 37-year-old never really stood a chance at coming back, what with all his fitness issues and the looming knee problem.
His mere presence at Wimbledon was a miracle, so reaching the final should still be celebrated.
However, there was a real lull mid-way through this clash which left everyone stunned, and something in particular that one pundit had never seen before.
Nick Kyrgios couldn’t believe what Novak Djokovic did at Wimbledon today
Speaking mid-way through Djokovic’s hefty defeat to Alcaraz, Nick Kyrgios spoke with a great deal of hope at times as he willed his friend on to success.
Having struck up a friendship ever since the Serbian crushed his dreams on centre court, two years ago, it has been heartwarming to see the two entertain together, first at the Australian Open and more recently in SW19.
More recently, Kyrgios even practised with Djokovic ahead of today’s final,
However, it did not prove enough for the legendary veteran, who looked uncharacteristically flat especially in how he started the match.
This in particular left Kyrgios stunned, who told his fellow pundits: ‘I have really never seen Djokovic this flat. A bit of disbelief. Throwing in double flats without no real care. He doesn’t seem to have any answers. But this man [Alcaraz] has been remarkable.’
Andy Roddick had predicted how Alcaraz might win this match, but even he couldn’t have imagined what unfolded.
Novak Djokovic just didn’t look himself vs Carlos Alcaraz
Whilst this facet of his game was off, looking particularly flat throughout and especially at the start, there were plenty of other things that were just not firing for Djokovic.
First off, his game plan for the first two sets was just plain wrong.
Desperate to come to the net at every occasion, he often looked rushed at times, and when he came bounding forward he was often met with a thunderous Alcaraz forehand that he just could not control.
Managing to perk himself up in the third set, it was too little too late, as it was widely regarded that any win for the Serbian was going to have to be within three or four sets.
His mindset was not as unwavering as it has been, and his slow start cost him. But no doubt Djokovic will be back again.
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