Novak Djokovic named ‘favourite’ to win Wimbledon but Serbian warned Carlos Alcaraz ‘will make things very difficult’
Carlos Alcaraz has been told to expect another “five-hour” battle against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final with the Spaniard’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero declaring Djokovic as the favourite ahead of the match.
For the second year in a row, Alcaraz will take on seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic in the showpiece match at the All England Club.
Last year the youngster came out on top in a brilliant encounter as he ended Djokovic’s long reign with a 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win for his maiden trophy at SW19.
The pair’s route to Wimbledon this year could not be more contrasting as Alcaraz made his way to the All England Club high on confidence after winning his first title at Roland Garros.
Djokovic, meanwhile, withdrew from his quarter-final match in Paris to undergo surgery on his knee and there were initially doubts over his participation at the grass-court Grand Slam, but he has come through six matches to reach the final his 10th final.
Ferrero says Alcaraz has been told he will be in for another tough battle on Sunday despite Djokovic’s recent injury problems.
“What we know [about Djokovic] is that 37 days ago he was going under the knife, and now he’s in the Wimbledon final,” the Spaniard said.
“You have to adapt to the reality, and the reality is that he has recovered from the operation very quickly and very well. I think he’s managed to play at a good level again, and the most important thing for him is to be in optimal physical condition.
“He’s moving well, we’re seeing him slide without problems when he’s moving. We have to plan the match expecting a battle at least like that of last year. I’ve been telling Carlos it’s going to be five hours again, so his mental level must be very high.”
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Despite Alcaraz’s win over Djokovic in last year’s final, Ferrero says the 24-time Grand Slam winner is the favourite but the young Spaniard will make life “difficult for Djokovic”.
“If we’re realistic, because of the experience he has of these kinds of finals and the number of titles he has at Wimbledon, the favourite is Djokovic,” the former world No 1 said.
“Obviously, we know the potential Carlos has. In the team, we like to think that if Carlos plays well he will make things very difficult for Novak, but we know Djokovic’s level. Even on bad days he knows what to do and how to come through those problems, so we’re expecting a very high level in the match from Novak.”
