Breaking barriers: Novak Djokovic stands alone on a huge Major record

Novak Djokovic is still waiting for that elusive eighth Wimbledon title, losing back-to-back finals to Carlos Alcaraz. While missing the trophy, Novak achieved a couple of remarkable records in London, remaining competitive at 37.

Novak advanced to his tenth Wimbledon final, becoming the second player with that feat after Roger Federer. In addition, Djokovic became the first player in tennis history with ten finals at three Majors, confirming his unprecedented run on the most notable scene.

Reaching ten Major finals is a challenging task to accomplish, and things become even more difficult when you try to get that number at a single tournament! Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the only players on that list, and the Serb raised the bar high after completing that at three out of four Majors!

Novak has played in 37 Major finals, achieving ten in Melbourne, London and New York and adding seven in Paris.

Djokovic could not seek his eighth Roland Garros final last month, feeling the pain in his right knee and undergoing surgery.

A couple of weeks later, the veteran entered the Wimbledon draw, playing with protection over his knee and hoping for the best. The seven-time All England Club champion made a promising start against Vit Kopriva, beating the qualifier in straight sets before embracing two more challenging tests.

The home player with a wild card, Jacob Fearnley, pushed Djokovic to the limits after the second set, attacking and taking the third set for more drama. Fearnley stood two points from forcing a decider before world no. 2 sealed the deal with a late break in the fourth set.

Novak met Alexei Popyrin in the third round and lost the opening set. The Serb worked his way back, sealing the deal in four sets and moving into the last 16. Things became more relaxed for Novak following a one-sided victory over Holger Rune.

 

Also, the Serb received a couple of days off the court due to Alex de Minaur’s withdrawal, resting his knee ahead of the semi-final.

There was nothing wrong with Djokovic’s game versus Lorenzo Musetti, ousting the Italian 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 and securing a place in his tenth Wimbledon final from the previous 13 trips to London! Like a year ago, Carlos Alcaraz stood between Novak and his eighth Wimbledon title.

The Spaniard ended the Serb’s run following a dominant 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 victory in two hours and 27 minutes, delivering Djokovic’s third loss in the Wimbledon finals. Novak stood powerless in the opening two sets, struggling on serve and return and allowing Carlos to build a massive advantage in no time.

Djokovic survived an early challenge in the third set and played better, defending three match points in the tenth game before falling in the tie break.

Alcaraz dominated with his first serve, dropping 135 mp/h bombs and facing only three break points.

Novak converted one at the last moment, and it was not enough to keep him in contention. The veteran struggled behind the initial shot, losing 42% of the points and suffering five breaks from 14 chances offered to the young gun.

Carlos fired 42 winners and 24 unforced errors, playing rock-solid tennis from the baseline and passing Novak many times, leaving him with a mediocre performance at the net. The defending champion made a perfect start, generating five break points in the first game of the encounter and seizing the last after Djokovic’s forehand error.

They served well in the next three games, with Carlos holding at love for 3-1. Novak felt the pressure on serve for the second time in the fifth game, hitting a double fault and falling further behind.

Alcaraz played against the first break point in the sixth game, saving it with a service winner and staying two breaks in front.

The Spaniard served for the set at 5-2 and wrapped it up with a service winner, forging an early advantage after 41 minutes. Carlos played another rock-solid set, serving well in set number two and turning almost half of the return points into a double break.

Novak experienced a break in the first game after a loose volley, struggling to impose his strokes. Alcaraz cemented the lead with a hold in game two and landed a drop shot winner two games later for 3-1. Djokovic played another loose volley in the seventh game, offering his opponent a break chance.

The Serb hit a costly double fault, falling 5-2 behind and losing the set after the Spaniard’s service winner in the next one, allowing Carlos to move 6-2, 6-2 up after 75 minutes! Djokovic faced a massive test at 1-1 in the third set, playing against four break points.

The 24-time Major winner denied them and brought the game home for a boost.

Novak made a rare push on the return at 3-2, reaching two deuces and landing a backhand winner for a break chance.

Alcaraz canceled it with a powerful serve and closed the game after over ten minutes, keeping his initial shot intact. After two fine holds on both sides, Carlos stepped in on the return at 4-4 and landed a volley winner for three break points.

The Spaniard converted the second with a backhand crosscourt winner, serving for the title at 5-4. Alcaraz created three match points but failed to bring the win home. Djokovic defended them and welcomed the rival’s loose forehands for his only break, leveling the score at 5-5 and adding more drama.

They introduced a tie break after two fine holds and traded a mini-break for 3-3. Carlos clinched a cracking point to move in front and secured a mini-break after Novak’s costly mistake. The Spaniard landed a drop shot winner for two more match points and converted the first at 6-4 with a powerful serve, celebrating the Wimbledon title