"One of the most outstanding final sets ever played during a Major final" - Pam Shriver on Carlos Alcaraz's Wimbledon win against Novak Djokovic
International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Pam Shriver recently commended Carlos Alcaraz for his exceptional performance during the fifth set against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz overcame the seven-time Wimbledon winner in a thrilling five-setter two weeks ago. Despite being outplayed in the opening set, Alcaraz hung on, eventually defeating the Serb 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
Shriver shared her thoughts on the final during an episode of The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast. The American praised Alcaraz, especially for his serve during the fifth set.
"The fifth set that Carlitos played was one of the most outstanding final sets ever played in a Major final," she said. "And the way he served it out… from being down 0-15. I mean you gotta be kidding me with the way he came up with those incredible drop shots. Finesse with power!"
Shriver revealed she did not expect the youngster to win the final against the Serb. Prior to the final, Djokovic hadn't lost a match on Centre Court in over a decade.
"I did not think he would beat Novak in three out of five sets in a Wimbledon final on a court where Novak hadn’t lost in over ten years," Shriver said. "After Novak won the first set so easily, you are just thinking, how is Carlitos going to win three of the next four sets to win this final? And then even when Novak won the fourth, I was thinking Novak is going to win."
The Hall of Famer also praised the World No. 1 for his bravery in executing drop shots.
"To me, the first drop shot miss showed that Alcaraz was tight... he’s human and he’s struggling," Shriver continued. "And for him to come back with another drop shot the point after he could have been down 0-30 had he stoned liked the first, it was incredibly brave and I guess Novak was not expecting that."
Carlos Alcaraz looks like Rafael Nadal but has more speed: Kei Nishikori
Kei Nishikori, making his comeback to the ATP Tour after two years, recently said Carlos Alcaraz possesses more speed than his compatriot Rafael Nadal.
"I don't think we have seen anyone like Carlos Alcaraz before. He looks like Rafa but he has more speed. Good defense, unbelievable forehand and he has a good backhand too," the Japanese said.
Nishikori was out of ATP tour action since October 2021 due to a hip injury. On his return, Nishikori defeated Australia's Jordan Thompson 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in the first round of the ongoing Atlanta Open.