Mats Wilander ponders Novak Djokovic’s ‘big regret’ after loss to Carlos Alcaraz

Jonhenry Wilson
Novak Djokovic talks at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic points at Wimbledon

Former Australian Open, French Open and US Open champion Mats Wilander is confident Serbian Novak Djokovic will bounce back from Sunday’s defeat to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s men’s singles final at Wimbledon.

Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. The former’s maiden Wimbledon title prevented the latter’s eighth.

Djokovic was visibly frustrated during the fifth set – and broke a racket after striking a net post.

“For Novak, he is going to learn from this loss and the lessons, and from hitting the net post, because I’m sure that is going to be a big regret. Great champions respond,” Wilander told Eurosport.

“That match was absolutely incredible. To have played on grass as little as he has and to be up against Novak is unbelievable, I’m nearly speechless.

“What a great champion we have in Carlos Alcaraz, and everything he does on a tennis court is so admirable to me.

“It is harder and harder to win it, and it is more physical, but Alcaraz is such a physical specimen. He is not going anywhere because he is so good and so focused.”

The 20-year-old Alcaraz lost a French Open semi-final to the 36-year-old Djokovic earlier this year. They might meet at the US Open later this year.

“Carlos could win the next two slams and that is what is so cool about him. I was not sure if grass was going to be good for him, but it is,” added Wilander.

“Once you love this tournament and love the grass, you are going to be coming back and feeling like you can win it every year.

“I think we are seeing a multiple Wimbledon champion before our eyes right now. Alcaraz is a complete player at 20 years old.

“It is going to be incredible what he achieves because this was maybe the best Wimbledon match in terms of its level that I have ever seen.”

Alcaraz became the first player other than Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray to win Wimbledon’s men’s singles title since 2002. This is his second Grand Slam title. He won the US Open in 2022.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I said before it so good to win but even if would have lost I would be really proud of myself,” said Alcaraz.

“Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true.

“It was unbelievable to play in these stages. It’s amazing for a boy – 20 years-old – I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast.”

ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios labels Carlos Alcaraz ‘a freak’ after Wimbledon final win

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