Wimbledon final
Alcaraz surprised: “Didn’t expect it so soon”
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates. photo
© Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/dpa
With his gala in the Wimbledon final, Carlos Alcaraz not only surprised the tennis world, but also himself. He dedicated the title to a special person.
The triumph at the classic lawn in Wimbledon also came as a surprise to Carlos Alcaraz himself. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly,” said Alcaraz, who previously had little experience on grass. In the run-up to Wimbledon, however, the 20-year-old Spaniard had already won the ATP tournament in Queens and made people sit up and take notice.
Nevertheless, he saw himself as an outsider before the final. “Before this match, I didn’t think I was ready to beat Novak in five sets in a game like that,” said Alcaraz after his 1: 6, 7: 6 (8: 6), 6: 1, 3: 6 , 6-4 in an epic final over 4:42 hours on Sunday in London. “Being able to last five hours against such a legend is something special.”
He dedicates the title to his dad
Above all, Alcaraz dedicated the greatest triumph of his career to his father. “I came to tennis thanks to my father,” said the world number one after the second Grand Slam title of his career. “Watching your child make history, winning the trophy at Wimbledon, that’s very special,” Alcaraz said to his family. “Giving you a big hug is something I’ll never forget. I hope there’s a photo of it.”
Alcaraz left it open on Sunday evening how things will continue for him after the Wimbledon coup. He actually registered for the Hopman Cup in Nice. In the revived mixed competition, he is to compete for Spain with 23-year-old Rebeka Masarova. The first game is scheduled for Friday against Belgian David Goffin. However, it’s hard to imagine Alcaraz actually playing in Nice. He didn’t want to concern himself with that in the hour of triumph. “Now it’s time to enjoy.”