After his straight-sets defeat to world no. 1 Jannik Sinner, seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic admitted the wear and tear of his body could not match the supreme fitness levels of the Italian and Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic even said that his dream of a 25th Grand Slam may not be realistic with the new-gen guns Sinner and Alcaraz around on court. After his 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 loss to Sinner, the Serb put the final perspective and picked the two-time defending champ Alcaraz as the slight favourite for Sunday’s finale at SW19.
Reaching his fourth successive major final and a first at Wimbledon, Sinner became the first man since the Big 4 – Roger Federer, Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray – to mark a final appearance at all four Grand Slams. While Alcaraz has remained unbeaten on Centre Court since 2023, the Spaniard has yet to reach the final in the Australian Open.
While Djokovic kept Alcaraz a rung higher than his semi-final nemesis, he offered the hard-hitting Sinner his chances too.
“Well, I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favourite because of the two titles he’s won here and the way he’s playing and the confidence he has right now,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner told after his semi-final defeat.
“But it’s just a slight advantage ’cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it’s going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah.”
Sinner is coming off a harrowing defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open last month, losing a golden opportunity after having himself at championship point. The Italian said the Roland-Garros blip is not playing in his mind as he sets himself up for another Alcaraz test.
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“I think if it would be a lot in my head, I would not be in the situation to play a final again, I guess (smiling),” said the world No 1.
“I’m very happy to share once again the court with Carlos. It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it, no? I try always to put myself in these kind of situations what I really love. Sundays on every tournament are very special.
“But this is a question I cannot answer because I think it’s something what you feel before the match and also during the match. I can give you answers after. But no, it’s different. Different match. I’m looking forward to it.”
Five-time Slam winner Alcaraz similarly downplayed his edge over the world no. 1.
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“I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a lot of things from French Open final, that he’s going to be better. He’s being to be better physically, he’s going to be better mentally. He’s going to be prepared on Sunday to give his 100%. I’m not thinking or I have advantage mentally Sunday because of that match,” said Alcaraz.
