Granted, they battled in a lush, green, and genteel arena. But these gladiators were no less fierce. And, after a long battle, the young 19-year-old challenger, Carlos Alcaraz, dethroned the 36-year-old reigning king, Novak Djokovic.
The scoreline, 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, reflects not just the back and forth of the game itself, but also the ups and downs of the emotions it evoked among the spectators.
Incidentally, Marketa Vondrousova defeated Ons Jabeur to win the women’s championship. It was Vondrousova’s first Grand Slam title.
Some will remember this match for Vondrousova’s display of distinctive tattoos. But most will remember her for defeating Elina Svitolina in the semifinals. Svitolina hails from Ukraine. And that alone made her the sentimental favorite to win it all.
Even Wimbledon betrayed its bias by previewing their semifinal match on July 11 as follows:
Yet, honestly, on this ladies’ semifinal day, has there ever been a plotline quite like the one that will continue to unfold on Centre Court today, featuring a Ukrainian sporting heroine so extraordinary that even her opponent today hails her simply as “Superwoman.”
A nation will turn to Elina Svitolina for a sunbeam of distraction amid its hardship, hoping that she will become the first player from her country to reach a Wimbledon singles final.
Alcaraz defeats Djokovic: Long reign Alcaraz!
This clash of generations was arguably the best Wimbledon final in recent memory. And it resulted in passing the torch to a new generation. You know, like the 38-year-old Boxing king, Larry Holmes, passing the torch to 21-year-old Mike Tyson in 1988.
Moreover, nobody seemed to appreciate the inter-generational moment more than Djokovic himself. That explains the unprecedented praise he heaped on Alcaraz:
[H] e’s proven he’s the best player in the world. I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game, consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that.
Except that, with all due respect to Djokovic and other Tennis players, comparisons with Tiger Woods seem more apt. Because Alcaraz is so good and exciting to watch, I fully expect him to do for men’s tennis what Tiger Woods did for men’s Golf.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
Of course, Djokovic was hoping to win his 8th Wimbledon title. That would’ve sealed his legacy as the winner of more Grand Slams than any player in history with 24. For a little perspective, no one dared dream of surpassing Pete Sampras’s 14 Grand Slam titles.
This win brings Alcaraz’s Grand Slam tally to two. However, no one doubts that he will surpass Djokovic’s count of 23. Except that Djokovic might have one or more in him. So Alcaraz might have to win more Grand Slams to eclipse him than most fans think.
Djokovic’s Masterpiece: A Lesson in Sportsmanship
Alcaraz won the match with his superior play. But Djokovic won the day with his remarkable sportsmanship. Because his speech in defeat is the stuff of which legends are made.
And, of course, this will do wonders to rehabilitate his reputation. That is, after his notorious anti-vaxxer caper left it teetering beyond redemption.
A Dubious Tradition unlike any other
Among the more cherished traditions in sports are Wimbledon’s all-white attire and the tradition of strawberries and cream. But a more dubious one is the tradition of winners rushing off the court to greet family and team members in the stands.
Others may have done so. But Australian Pat Cash is the first winner I saw make a spectacle of himself on Centre Court, doing so in 1987. After all, he had to climb over barriers and spectators to get to the players’ box. It looked absurd and dangerous in equal measure.
Yet players have been running off like this every year since. But the spectacle often resembles a farcical Benny Hill chase more than a dignified victory celebration.
Of course, I fully appreciate why the winners do it. So iPINIONS urges organizers to refine this tradition to make it safer and less of an obstacle course. That is, before a pedestrian accident mars the prestigious event.
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