Nick Kyrgios labels Carlos Alcaraz ‘a freak’ after Wimbledon final win
Last year’s losing finalist Nick Kyrgios labelled new Wimbledon men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz “a freak” on Sunday.
Alcaraz won 1-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 for a maiden Wimbledon title.
“Alcaraz is a freak,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter.
“Haven’t watched a whole tennis match in a long time. Thank you for putting on that incredible performance. Congratulations to you both.”
Australian Kyrgios, who lost the 2022 final to Djokovic, withdrew from this year’s tournament due to injury.
If some how…. Like some how if Novak can turn this around, I’m convinced he is not human.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 16, 2023
The 20-year-old 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.
“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.
“I am really proud of myself, I am really proud for the team and the work we put in every day to be able to lift this.
“After the first set I thought ‘Carlos, increase the level. Everyone would be disappointed’. I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him.
“You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. You said 36 years old is the new 26 years old and you make that happen. It’s amazing.”
Djokovic was the reigning champion prior to Sunday’s defeat – and failed to collect a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title. Earlier this year, he won the Australian Open and French Open.
“I have to start with praises to Carlos and his team. What quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out,” added Djokovic.
“You came up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it . Amazing. I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously. Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface.
“Tough one to swallow when you are so close. These are the moments that we work for every day to play on the biggest stages and biggest courts and most important tournaments in the world.
“I’ve been blessed with so many incredible matches throughout my career. I’m really grateful. I lost to a better player and I have to move on stronger.”
The next grand slam is the US Open, which is scheduled to start on 28 August 2023.
ALSO READ: Carlos Alcaraz knocks Novak Djokovic off his perch at Wimbledon with epic final win
