Inside the Mind of a Champion: Carlos Alcaraz's Mental Evolution VS. Novak Djokovic

• Tennis News
• Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic battled in the closing stages at back-to-back Majors in Paris and London. While the young gun faded from the court after the second set at Roland Garros due to a mental obstacle, we saw a completely different performance in the Wimbledon final.

Carlos learned from his mistakes and entered The All England Club title clash well-prepared. Alcaraz ousted Djokovic 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in four hours and 42 minutes to lift his second Major title at 20! Carlos won two points more than Novak and prevailed in harsh windy conditions.

The Spaniard fired 66 winners and 45 unforced errors, trying to stay aggressive and playing well in the decider after an early break. There were 34 break points, and they grabbed five return games each to remain neck and neck.

Novak made a perfect start, winning the opening set in 34 minutes and creating a set point in the second set's tie break. Alcaraz saved it and stole the set to level the overall score, ending Djokovic's streak of 15 consecutive tie breaks won at Majors.

The young gun had the upper hand in the third set before a 23-time Major winner found his strokes in the fourth to force a decider. Carlos claimed the crucial points and prevailed with an early break that carried him toward his second Major crown at such a young age.

Alcaraz came from 3-0 down in the second set's tie break and fought well to clinch it 8-6 after a backhand return winner, one of the pivotal strokes of the entire final. The Serb sprayed almost 20 unforced errors in the third set and got broken three times, equalling the number of service games conceded before the final!

Carlos grabbed an early break in the first game and defended two break points in game four to forge a 3-1 advantage. The fifth game secured a place in Wimbledon history with 32 points and 27 minutes of a grueling battle!

Carlos Alcaraz was ready for the Novak Djokovic challenge at Wimbledon.

The game saw 13 deuces, Novak's numerous game points and seven break chances for the young gun!

Carlos seized the last when Novak netted a forehand to earn an enormous boost and spend the rival's energy. The Spaniard closed the set with another break in game seven with a backhand down the line winner for a massive advantage ahead of set number four.

Novak made a fresh start, eager to prolong the duel and his chances. The defending champion saved two break points in the second game to end his downfall. The Serb grabbed breaks in games five and nine to wrap up the set 6-3 and force a decider, ready to give his everything while chasing his eighth Wimbledon crown.

They missed a break point in games one and two of the final set before Carlos delivered a break in game three after an incredible exchange and a backhand down the line winner. Alcaraz served for the title at 5-4 and held at 30 after forcing Djokovic's error to celebrate his career-best moment.

"I made mental changes while facing Novak in London in comparison to our Parisian duel. I did not know how to handle the pressure in Paris; it was a Major semi-final, and it's never easy, especially against someone like Novak.

I prepared much better for our Wimbledon duel, intending to play more relaxed and perform better. I did specific mental exercises I lacked in Paris. They helped me to stay competitive and produce higher level," Carlos Alcaraz said.