Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic to face off in highly anticipated Wimbledon final

London: Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz and Serbian player Novak Djokovic have secured their spots in the highly anticipated final match of Wimbledon.

Both players showcased their dominance at Wimbledon as they secured victories in their respective semi-finals, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated clash in the championship match. The 20-year-old world number one and US Open champion Alcaraz triumphed over Daniil Medvedev with an impressive 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory. Meanwhile, Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open and French Open champion, reached his ninth Wimbledon final and record 35th Grand Slam final after defeating Jannik Sinner with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win, reported AFP.

Sunday's final between Alcaraz and Djokovic is poised to be a significant moment in tennis history, potentially defining an era of the sport. The stakes are high for both players, with Djokovic aiming to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 major titles.

In their previous encounter at the French Open semi-finals in June, Djokovic emerged victorious over Alcaraz. Despite the Spaniard admitting that the stress of facing Djokovic caused severe cramps, he remains confident in his ability to defeat the Serbian superstar. "I believe I can beat Djokovic," Alcaraz declared, acknowledging Djokovic's legendary status. The 20-year-old emphasised his determination and self-belief, stating, "There's no time to be afraid, no time to be tired."

Djokovic, on the other hand, recognises his experience in Grand Slam finals as a crucial factor but remains cautious of Alcaraz's remarkable shot-making abilities. The Serbian champion expressed his eagerness for an enthralling contest, stating, "He's in great shape. He's very motivated. He's young. He's hungry. I'm hungry, too, so let's have a feast."

Alcaraz's journey to the Wimbledon final is a testament to his rapid rise in the tennis world. Just two years ago, he won only seven games in a straight-sets loss to Medvedev at Wimbledon when he was ranked 75th in the world. However, the Spanish player's remarkable progress was evident in his dominant performance against Medvedev, solidifying his place in his first Wimbledon final with a spectacular running forehand.

Djokovic's semi-final victory over Sinner was not without controversy. The Serbian was penalised for hindrance and warned for slow play during the second set, which momentarily unsettled him. However, Djokovic's mental fortitude allowed him to regroup and maintain his focus, ultimately securing the victory. His resilience and determination have been key to his success throughout the tournament.

As Djokovic and Alcaraz prepare to face each other in the final, tennis enthusiasts and fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a clash of generations.