Carlos Alcaraz becomes only 2nd player after Rafael Nadal to achieve unique Grand Slam feat against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 Final

Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon title after defeating Novak Djokovic in the finals of the grasscourt Major on Sunday, July 14. Moreover, the Spaniard achieved a notable milestone against the Serb in the first set of the match, a feat accomplished only by Rafael Nadal in the past.

Alcaraz dominated Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals (6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4) and carried that momentum into the finals against the 37-year-old Djokovic. He then dismantled Djokovic, winning the first two sets 6-2 each. The third set was a tight battle that went to a tiebreaker, which Alcaraz also claimed 7-6(4).

Notably, with his commanding performance in the first set, the 21-year-old became the first player since Rafael Nadal to win the opening set of a Grand Slam final against Djokovic by such a large margin. Nadal has done that twice before, at the 2013 US Open and the 2020 French Open.

Carlos Alcaraz also achieved another feat recently, becoming the first Spanish man since Rafael Nadal to reach multiple finals at the grasscourt Major.

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"One of the greatest 21-year-olds" - Novak Djokovic heaps praise on Carlos Alcaraz ahead of their Wimbledon 2024 final

Day Twelve: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024

During his on-court interview after the Wimbledon semifinal win, Novak Djokovic praised Carlos Alcaraz, commending his persona and describing him as one of the "greatest 21-year-olds" in the sport.

"I hope so. I’m sure he doesn’t hope so. He’s a great example of someone as a young player who has a well-balanced life. A good family… a lot of charisma… carries himself well on and off the court. He’s deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we’ve ever seen in this sport," Djokovic said.

While acknowledging Alcaraz's potential for many future Grand Slams, the 24-time Major champion admitted he hoped it wouldn't start at the 2024 Wimbledon final, emphasizing the need to give his all to prevent that.

"We’re gonna see a lot of him in the future, no doubt. He’s gonna win many more Grand Slams. Hopefully in two days, not this one. But in the future.. when I retire in about 15 years," he said.

"Jokes aside.. he already beat me in the final here last year in 5 sets. I don’t expect anything less than that. A huge battle on court. He’s complete of a player as they come. It’s gonna take the best of my abilities overall to beat him on Sunday," he added.

The Serb reached his 37th Grand Slam final at Wimbledon 2024 amid a title-less season and still awaits a tournament triumph. Meanwhile, Alcaraz not only defended his title at the London Major but also became the youngest to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same calendar year.