Wimbledon 2024 Final Result: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in men’s final to keep title – BBC Sport

Alcaraz had looked far from convincing for the majority of this year’s Championships – winning in straight sets just twice before the final.

He had to show resilience to wrestle his way through matches, fighting back against Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe to sustain his title defence.

It made his run to the final all the more impressive, with his never-say-die mentality the mark of a true champion.

And in Sunday’s final, Alcaraz showed he was saving his best tennis for the last, all-important moment.

Former British number one Tim Henman called it an “annihilation”, while 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash described it as a “perfect performance”.

Alcaraz reeled off deft drop shots, perfect volleys and thunderous forehand winners that seemed to stun his 37-year-old opponent.

Following in the footsteps of his fellow Spaniard and hero Rafael Nadal in 2008 and 2010, Alcaraz has achieved the rare feat of winning at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.

“Credit to Carlos for playing elite tennis, especially from the back of the court. He had it all today,” Djokovic said in his runner-up speech.

When it was revealed that Djokovic had undergone surgery on 5 June for a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, it was not just his title chances that were thrown into doubt.

There were concerns that he would be unable to play at Wimbledon at all.

However, if it was not for the support on his knee, it would have been almost impossible to tell Djokovic had suffered a serious injury.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had resumed his usual brand of dominant, consistent tennis and dropped just two sets in six matches.

But the level suddenly dropped on Sunday, and Djokovic’s game looked unrecognisable with failed attempts to come to the net and handfuls of unforced errors.

What was expected to be an enthralling sequel got off to the most dramatic of beginnings – a 14-minute service game from Djokovic, who saved four break points before finally going behind.

Alcaraz’s confident start continued, while a rare double fault from Djokovic gifted a double break that allowed the Spanish third seed to calmly see out the opener.

It was a case of deja vu for the Serb in the second set, with Alcaraz landing delicate drop volleys and booming winners to break early before benefiting from another Djokovic double fault.

Still toiling, Djokovic managed to hold firm in the third until Alcaraz struck to lead 5-4 and give himself a chance to serve out for the title.

But the 21-year-old double-faulted on his first match point, fired into the net on his second and then sent the ball wide on his third – helping Djokovic to claw a break back and force a tie-break.

At that point, prospects of a remarkable comeback and thrilling finish quickly vanished as Alcaraz took control.

“It obviously was not the result I wanted, but of course in the first couple of sets the level of tennis wasn’t up to par from my side,” Djokovic said.

“It wasn’t meant to be. I tried to extend the match, but he was an absolute deserved winner today so congratulations for him.”