The 2023 Men's singles final was one of the most anticipated game of last 10-12 months or so. With Alcaraz's rapid rise in the top step of the rankings, the final was played between world number one, Alcaraz and number two, Novak. Obviously, ranking alone doesn't define Novak's game and legacy as he is now considered by many to be the 'GOAT'. People were already expecting a final between Novak and Carlos, even before the tournament began. It was a match for the ages, if you allow me. A clash of generation.
Build up for the final
Novak and Carlitos faced each other at the semi finals of French Open 2023. The match ended up with Novak winning in four sets. Alcaraz suffered a muscle twitch in his legs and wasn't able to compete with full throttle after second set, taking nothing away from Novak. Carlos then, had already established himself as a formidable clay court player while Novak had mastered all three surfaces, of course. Carlos had yet to prove himself as a good grass court player.
Carlos had won the Queen's club at the start of grass court season so he was fresh while Novak was coming from a historic 23rd grand slam title at the French Open. Until semi final, Carlos played against Rune, Berrettini and more dropping only two sets. In the semis, he outclasses Medvedev in a straight set win to reach his first Wimbledon final. Novak faced guys like Sinner, Rublev, Hurkacz, wawrinka dropping also two sets. Novak was aiming to become only the third tennis player after roger and Borg to win the Wimbledon five times in a row. The stage was set for a fantastic final.
The Final
Novak started off well. Carlos was mistiming his shots so Novak won the first set 6-1. There wasn't much highlight reel in the first set. And remember Novak has never lost the Final of Wimbledon after winning the first set. Then Carlos started playing well. He was serving bombs, first serve percentage was high. The rallies became longer. Novak was hitting the ball well and so was Carlos, so the second set was decided in the tie break. Novak did a couple of unforced error and Alcaraz sealed the set with a thrilling backhand return. A set a piece.
Carlos' forehand was blistering. His backhand was as good as Novak's. His drop shot was working every time. Carlos was coming to the net, playing aggressively just what you need to beat Novak. Novak's serve wasn't working in the third set so Alcaraz raced through the third set 6-1. In the fourth set, we saw one of the longest game of nearly 27 mins. Novak started serving very well hitting thunderbolt of backhands. Novak brought his absolute A game to clinch the fourth set 6-3. The game was now headed into the decider. Carlos broke Novak early in the fifth set. There were some close games but Alcaraz served out the set and won the final, being the only player to win the title since 2003 outside of the big four. The game was four and a half hours long. Alcaraz's win broke the big four dominance of Wimbledon. This win can be a catalyst for the rise of the next gen but only the time will tell.
Technicalities
Carlos' forehand and drop shot was something everyone knew was lethal. What was fantastic in this year's Wimbledon was his serve and backhand. Wow, what a backhand, blistering. His serve was excellent in the final, while Novak didn't find his serve range. Alcaraz was very brave on his second serve too, once serving 120mph second serve. Carlos is an incredible mover on the court. He adapted the grass condition very fast which surprised even Novak. He came to the net very often pressurizing the opponent. His passing shot was the highlight reel of the game. He maintained his physique and didn't force injury like the match at the French Open. He played at the highest level reaching for every point possible, finally wining the game and creating history.
Future for Carlos
At just the age of 20, he has almost all the tools with him to win tournaments. Backhand, forehand, serve, volley, drop shot he has all the tools in his arsenal. I think he will definitely win many grand slams if he continues to play like this. He is said to posses traits of Rafa, Novak and Roger and that's quite a compliment. He now must keep himself fit which will give him more chances to compete at the top level. He has a bright future ahead of him surely.
At last I want to quote something about Carlos which was quoted by a commentator for Rafa in 2004, ' This kid's progress is so rapid, one wonders where it would all end.'
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