Generation duel in final: Alcaraz wants to prevent Djokovic’s Wimbledon record

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A better combination for the final of Wimbledon on Sunday (3 p.m., in the Blick live ticker) could not have been. World number one Carlos Alcaraz (20) meets world number two Novak Djokovic (36). The winner will top the world ranking next week. It is an unequal duel, not only because of the different ages of the two players.

Djokovic is aiming for his historic 24th Grand Slam victory, his eighth at Wimbledon, which would tie him with record holder Roger Federer. After his triumphs in Melbourne and Paris, he still has a chance at the Grand Slam on the calendar.

In the semifinals, Djokovic easily defeated 21-year-old Jannik Sinner from Italy in three sets. Asked about the age difference, Djokovic said after the game: “36 is the new 26. I feel very fit and very young. I still count myself among the younger generation.”

Alcaraz is rushing to become a grass player

One of these young players is Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard has won one major title so far. To beat the ‘big’ Djokovic, as he says himself, he has to unpack a dream performance. “It’s an honor to play against such a legend of our sport. He can do anything, has no weaknesses, Novak is incredible. On grass it will be difficult.”

While Djokovic has dominated lawn tennis for years, Alcaraz is only playing his fourth tournament on this surface in Wimbledon. Three weeks ago he won one at the Queen’s Club in London, this year at Wimbledon he showed a series of improvements and got better from round to round.

The two have never played against each other on grass. The last direct comparison was on sand. In a memorable semifinal at the French Open, the Spaniard lost to the Serb in four sets. Alcaraz had no chance after the second set due to health problems. Cramps in his arms and legs bothered him. Djokovic easily rocked home the win. (par)

Source : Blick