Carlos Alcaraz has comprehensively defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2024 Wimbledon men's singles final.
The straight-sets affair was vastly different to their lengthy battle in last year's decider, although it ultimately produced the same outcome – an Alcaraz victory.
The Spaniard flew out of the gates on Centre Court, breaking his opponent's serve in the opening game and going on to win the first two sets in dominant fashion.
However, Djokovic, despite an uncharacteristically flat performance, fought back. The Serbian went toe-to-toe with Alcaraz in the third set and threatened a monumental comeback.
MORE: Who won this year's Wimbledon women's singles final?
Alcaraz did eventually manage to break the 37-year-old and even had three championship points at 5-4, but nerves appeared to get the better of him.
That led to a dramatic tiebreak, where he was able to recover mentally and take the first match point presented to him.
Alcaraz has now won four major championships at just 21 years of age, with Sunday afternoon's triumph his second consecutive title at the All England Club.
He has also maintained his 100 per cent record in grand slam finals while becoming the youngest man to win Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.
"Honestly it’s a dream for me winning this trophy," Alcaraz said during his trophy presentation.
"It’s a great feeling to play on this beautiful court and trophy. It’s the most beautiful tournament."
MORE: Who is the world No.1 in men's tennis? Updated ATP rankings
For Djokovic, the result means he will have to wait for a historic 25th major title, which would have seen him take the record for most grand slam singles titles won in history.
He surprised many by even reaching the final, having undergone knee surgery just over a month ago.
"I have to be very proud," Djokovic said, as he graciously accepted defeat.
"Obviously, there’s disappointment right now but when I reflect on the last four to five weeks, what I’ve been through [with the knee surgery], I’m very satisfied.
"I try to remind myself sometimes of how surreal it is being here ... being really blessed to fight for the trophy.
"Every time I step on the court it feels like the first time. I’m a child living a childhood dream."
Wimbledon men's singles final: Score, result for Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic
| Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 6 | 6 | 7(7) |
| Novak Djokovic | 2 | 2 | 6(4) |
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic score updates and highlights from Wimbledon 2024 men's singles final
All times BST/local
*denotes server
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 7-6 Novak Djokovic - ALCARAZ WINS THE THIRD SET AND THE MATCH
Alcaraz has a relatively simple passing shot on the first point of the tiebreak but just edges it wide. He responds with a big first serve and a solid forehand winner though, going up 2-1. Alcaraz then secures a mini-break with a nice forehand down the line. 3-2 up, he makes a good second serve but later sends a backhand millimetres wide, and unsuccessfully challenges.
A high-quality rally follows as the Spaniard wins a key point to keep things on serve. Djokovic then sends a forehand a fair distance wide to give his opponent a 5-4 advantage. Alcaraz brings up his fourth championship point of the match via a thunderous first serve, followed by a delicate drop shot. He is able to stay cool under pressure, delivering a good second serve, which Djokovic hits into the net.
Alcaraz is a Wimbledon champion for the second time!
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 6-6 Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz makes a pair of strong first serves and controls the opening two points, going up 30-0. He then shows off his incredible hands with a quick-reaction flick over the net. A little confidence booster for the Spaniard as we head into a tiebreak.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 5-6 *Novak Djokovic
As has become the trend this set, another clinical service game for Djokovic. Alcaraz shows he's still got some confidence in him, making an inch-perfect cross-court shot. However, the momentum is undoubtedly in Djokovic's favour now.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 5-5 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic breaks back! Alcaraz has three championship points but goes on to lose five consecutive points, bringing the set to 5-5. He double faults with his first match point, then makes four unforced errors in a clear case of nerves.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 5-4 *Novak Djokovic
Break for Alcaraz! The Spaniard flies out of the gates, smashing a 257 km/h (160m/ph) forehand to go up 0-15. Two points later, he executes a perfect drive volley to give himself three massive break points. Djokovic takes the next point but Alcaraz makes yet another delicate cross-court winner. One more game and he'll be Wimbledon champion again!
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 4-4 Novak Djokovic
Another quick game. Alcaraz continues to play well and is hitting his first serve consistently. He wraps up the game with an ace to make it 4-4. The next few moments will be crucial.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 3-4 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is giving himself the best chance possible of winning this set, taking care of his service games in a confident manner. He's arguably been the better player in the last few games. This isn't over yet.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 3-3 Novak Djokovic
An engaging opening rally begins this game, which Alcaraz wins despite Djokovic arguably controlling it better. Two points later, Djokovic has a chance to go up 15-30, but yet again makes a simple error at the net. The Serbian does work his way back into it, controlling a pair of points and executing some good volleys to bring it to deuce. The momentum swings several times, and Djokovic secures a break point off the back of some excellent returns. Alcaraz's clutch serving saves him though, turning around a thrilling game. A break point saved and a seriously impressive hold from Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 2-3 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic wins three games in a set for the first time this match. A strong service game, forcing Alcaraz into some weak returns.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 2-2 Novak Djokovic
No-nonsense hold from Alcaraz, who maintains serve efficiently (featuring an impressive cross-court drop shot at full stretch).
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 1-2 *Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz begins the game with a stunning winner, which he hits from deep in his right-hand corner. He then backs it up with another scintillating passing shot to go up 0-30. Djokovic responds though with some calm work at the net. A back-and-forth battle featuring several deuce points ensues, but the 24-time grand slam title winner manages to get the job done and lets out a big roar.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 1-1 Novak Djokovic
A double fault and enforced errors see Alcaraz go down 0-30. However, he holds his nerve and executes a perfectly placed cross-court winner. The Spaniard then emerges victorious after a wild rally, where it seemed Djokovic had done enough to win the point. The game goes to deuce, but a couple of delicate shots under pressure see Alcaraz claim a crucial hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 0-1 *Novak Djokovic
No mucking around from Djokovic, winning the opening game of a set for the first time in this match. Can he spark an unlikely turnaround?
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-2 Novak Djokovic - ALCARAZ WINS THE SECOND SET
A few nervy serves from Alcaraz, and Djokovic executes some nice volleys to bring it to 30-30. However, the Spaniard is able to make some strong serves to finish off the game and wrap up the set. An imposing 2-0 advantage for the young gun.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 5-2 *Novak Djokovic
Double break for Alcaraz! A pair of strong serves puts Djokovic 30-0 up. He makes a nice cross-court drop shot, but Alcaraz miraculously reaches the ball and manages to win the point. Alcaraz then executes a vicious passing shot to bring it to 30-30. The Serbian has a relatively simple shot at the net but makes another crucial error. Down break point, he double faults and gives his opponent full control of the set.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 4-2 Novak Djokovic
A comfortable service game from Alcaraz, winning to love. He is hitting the ball with variety, and Djokovic is struggling to find any rhythm, making uncharacteristic unforced errors.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 3-2 *Novak Djokovic
The best game Djokovic has played in this match so far. He ended points quickly and had a nice variety of passing and drop shots.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 3-1 Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz's confidence is oozing out of every shot he makes. He hits Djokovic into the corners, forcing him to run before finishing the point off. He wraps up the game with a delectable drop shot.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 2-1 *Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz executes a perfectly placed backhand passing shot to begin the set before Djokovic commits another double fault to go down 15-30. A couple of heavy shots from Alcaraz see the game slip away from him, though. Crucial hold for Djokovic, who could've been in serious strife had he been broken again.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 2-0 Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz begins the game with a double fault, but it doesn't worry him. He quickly races to a 40-15 lead, executing a thunderous forehand winner and a perfect drop shot. However, he drops the next point before double-faulting, bringing the game to deuce. Alcaraz consolidates his break though, partly thanks to an uncharacteristic erroneous cross-court shot from Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 1-0 *Novak Djokovic
Another break for Alcaraz! Djokovic hits two shots long to fall to 0-30, but wins the next point. For the remainder of the game, however, the Spaniard takes control. His physical presence appears to be rattling Djokovic, who cannot get a grip on this final. Alcaraz now has a one-set lead and is up a break – a commanding position.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 Novak Djokovic - ALCARAZ WINS THE FIRST SET
Alcaraz starts the game with one of his signature pacey forehand winners. Djokovic has a chance to bring it to 30-30 but finds the net as he attempts a forehand winner. The Serbian wins the next point but commits another unforced error on set point. This match is far from over, but it's a significant advantage for Alcaraz.
The importance of taking the first set, not lost on Carlos or his box 🇪🇸#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/JFrazhjknT
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz 5-2 *Novak Djokovic
A nice confidence booster for Djokovic, winning to love. He makes some nice shots at the net and controls the rallies cleanly. Alcaraz will now serve for the set.
*Carlos Alcaraz 5-1 Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz is showing off his full range of skills, executing a perfect backhand volley after losing the first point. He hits a forehand into the net to make it 30-30 before failing to get enough juice on a drop shot, bringing up break point for Djokovic. A big serve from Alcaraz sends it to deuce before he cooly wraps the game up to take a 5-1 lead.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-1 *Novak Djokovic
Double break for Alcaraz! Djokovic struggles with his opponent's speed of play and unpredictability, falling to 0-30 quickly. He pulls out two strong serves and wins the next two points but proceeds to double fault at break point. An impressive early lead for Alcaraz.
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-1 Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz makes his first drop shot of the match and to great effect. He then delivers a steaming pair of aces to go up 40-0. The 21-year-old wraps up the game efficiently, with Djokovic committing another unforced error.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 *Novak Djokovic
An important hold for Djokovic, who is now off and running in this final. Let's see if he can begin to slow the match down and control more points.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic executes a stinging winner to open the second game but Alcaraz keeps his composure to consolidate his break. A far quicker game, although still a high-quality one. Should be a top afternoon.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 *Novak Djokovic
WOW! A 14-minute game and a break of serve to open the final!
Alcaraz has multiple break-point opportunities, but Djokovic finds a first serve on nearly all of them. However, the Serbian makes a poor error at the net to bring up a fifth break point for his opponent. The Spaniard then holds his nerve in the rally, leading to a Djokovic unforced error. Advantage Alcaraz.
2:05 pm: Following the coin toss, Djokovic will serve first. Play is set to begin shortly.
2:00 pm: The players are making their way through the famous corridors of the All England Club.
1:50 pm: Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios believes Alcaraz's forehand could be the difference today. "He [Alcaraz] has got arguably the best forehand on tour," the Australian said on BBC's broadcast. Kyrgios also predicts Djokovic will attempt to initiate as many backhand-to-backhand rallies as possible.
1:30 pm: In last year's final, Djokovic came out firing, winning the first set 6-1. In fact, he has only dropped one of his opening sets this tournament, while Alcaraz has dropped two. We may see another quick start from the Serbian veteran today, but that's unlikely to phase his young opponent, who loves a long slog.
1:00 pm: We're about an hour away from the start of this afternoon's final. The temperature is expected to hover around 21c for the duration of the match, with partly cloudy conditions forecast.
The finale.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vcrTbIWpz0
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024
12:30 pm: A quick refresher on both players' respective journeys to the final:
Carlos Alcaraz
- R1 - def. Mark Lajal 7-6 7-5 6-2
- R2 - def. Aleksandar Vukic 7-6 6-2 6-2
- R3 - def. Frances Tiafoe 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 6-2
- R4 - def. Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5
- QF - def. Tommy Paul 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2
- SF - def. Daniil Medvedev 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-4
Novak Djokovic
- R1 - def. Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-2 6-2
- R2 - def. Jacob Fearnley 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5
- R3 - def. Alexei Popyrin 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6
- R4 - def. Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 6-2
- QF - def. Alex de Minaur via walkover
- SF - def. Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 7-6 6-4
12:00 pm: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of this afternoon's Wimbledon men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz won their 2023 grass-court battle in a five-set epic, although Djokovic holds a 3-2 advantage across their head-to-head history.
