Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: 3 deciding factors ahead of Wimbledon 2023 final
One is a 36-year-old maestro and the other is a 20-year-old genius. They met in the French Open semis just a month back which eventually turned out to be a one-sided affair for Novak Djokovic as Carlos Alcaraz was grappling with cramps.
The encounter did show us glimpses of enthralling tennis, especially in the first two sets. Djokovic eventually won that match 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, and with it the Roland Garros title. Tennis aficionados would be expecting an intense and exciting game when these two meet again on Centre Court this Sunday, July 16
The Wimbledon Championships are perhaps the most glamorous of all the Grand Slams. This time around, grace will be on full display in both the stands as well as also on the court. The forever-young Novak Djokovic is hunting for his eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th Major. He will be up against the zestful Spaniard Alcaraz, who many see as the future legend of the game.
Let us look at the three factors that could play a pivotal role in deciding the king of grass.
#1 Physical and Mental Stamina
"I tried not to look at the age as a hindrance or factor that might decide the outcome on the court. On the contrary, I feel 36 is the new 26, I guess. It feels good," Djokovic said in the post-match presentation after the semifinals.
Indeed the World No. 2 is playing like a 26-year-old. Although he has played just two matches that stretched to four sets (Round of 16 and Quarterfinals), he has looked agile throughout the tournament.
Alcaraz has also looked strong, hitting ferocious forehands even off dead/slow deliveries and covering the court swiftly.
As far as mental stamina is concerned, Djokovic might have an edge. He has seen the crowd going after him throughout his career and he has learned to use this to his advantage, as any great sportsman would. Even arguments with chair umpires don't bother him much anymore.
On the other hand, Alcaraz has tenacity and aggression that can sometimes go against him. For instance, in the quarterfinals, he tried (and failed) a fast second serve on two occasions to finish off the game or set quickly. The Championship match would be a test of his patience.