Djokovic Charges To First Set vs. Alcaraz In Wimbledon Final

Novak Djokovic has moved to within two sets of a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title after racing to the first set 6-1 against Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s championship match.

The Serbian produced a masterful first-set performance on Centre Court, where his clean, deep returning piled the pressure on Alcaraz’s delivery. Djokovic converted two of his six break points to deliver an early statement in the pair’s third Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Alcaraz, whose huge groundstrokes helped him reach his maiden Wimbledon final for the loss of just two sets, was unable to penetrate his opponent’s defence with any kind of regularity.

Djokovic continued his sensational tournament on serve. He faced just one break point in the set, in the opening game, and at one point responded to Alcaraz attacking his second serve by sending his next one down at 120mph. If Djokovic lifts the trophy, he remains on course to have done so having been broken the fewest times of any of his title runs at Wimbledon (3).

Novak Djokovic, Service Games Lost In Wimbledon Title Years

The depth of Djokovic’s groundstrokes also prevented Alcaraz from moving forward frequently. The 20-year-old won 28 of 36 points at the net during his stunning semi-final win against Daniil Medvedev, but he only ventured forwards four times in the opening set against Djokovic, winning the point twice.

Should Djokovic go on to complete victory at the All England Club, he would lift a record-extending 24th major trophy and stay on course for a historic calendar-year Grand Slam after his victories earlier in the year at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. He would also leapfrog Alcaraz on Monday to reclaim No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday, with Sunday’s final clash a winner-takes-all shootout for top spot.