Wimbledon 2023: Henry Searle could be 'fast-tracked' into professional game after boys' title
The coach of Wimbledon boys’ champion Henry Searle says he could be “fast-tracked” into senior tournaments after his success.
The coach of Wimbledon boys’ champion Henry Searle says he could be “fast-tracked” into senior tournaments after his success.
Carlos Alcaraz lifted his second Grand Slam trophy at Wimbledon, where several ATP Tour stars enjoyed impressive runs at the grass-court major. ATPTour.com looks at the movers of the week in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
No. 31 Christopher Eubanks, +12 (Career High)
The American has climbed to a career-high No. 31 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings after he advanced to his first major quarter-final at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old, who triumphed in Mallorca last month, downed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cameron Norrie before falling against Daniil Medvedev.
No. 32 Matteo Berrettini, +6
The 27-year-old has moved six places following his fourth-round run at Wimbledon. The Italian entered The Championships without a tour-level win since Monte-Carlo in April, but re-found some of his best grass-court form, defeating Lorenzo Sonego, Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev.
No. 43 Roman Safiullin, +49 (Career High)
The 25-year-old came into Wimbledon as World No. 92 with just six tour-level match wins on the season. Four victories later and he left as a Grand Slam quarter-finalist for the first time and at a career-high No. 43. Safiullin.
No. 56 Daniel Elahi Galan, +29 (Career High)
The Colombian made history on London’s lawns when he became the first man from his nation to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old, who entered SW19 with just two grass-court tour-level wins in his career, won a five-set third-round thriller against Mikael Ymer before losing against Jannik Sinner.
Other Notable Top 100 Movers
No. 14 Tommy Paul, +1 (Career High)
No. 17 Hubert Hurkacz, +1
No. 19 Alexander Zverev, +2
No. 21 Grigor Dimitrov, +3
No. 23 Denis Shapovalov +6
No. 33 Jiri Lehecka, +4 (Career High)
No. 51 Mikael Ymer, +8
No. 58 Sebastian Ofner, +14 (Career High)
No. 65 Quentin Halys, +14
No. 74 Stan Wawrinka, +14
No. 89 Pavel Kotov, +16 (Career High)
No. 92 Ilya Ivashka, +10
No. 97 Facundo Diaz Acosta, +18 (Career High)
No. 100 Juan Manuel Cerundolo, +11
Watch how Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz won Wimbledon with an incredibly similar point in 2008 and 2023.
Carlos Alcaraz beating Novak Djokovic to the Wimbledon men’s singles title was primarily for himself – but it can also give hope to the rest of the younger generation.
Several stars, including Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios, took to social media on Sunday to congratulate Carlos Alcaraz on his epic five-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
Other current and former players who shared their praise include Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and Andy Roddick.
Magical Alcaraz Ends Djokovic Streak In Classic, Claims Wimbledon Crown
Enhorabuena @carlosalcaraz . Nos has dado una alegría inmensa hoy y seguro que nuestro pionero en el tenis español, Manolo Santana, también ha estado animando allá dónde esté como de Wimbledon al que hoy te has unido.
Un abrazo muy fuerte y a disfrutar del momento ¡¡¡Campeón!!!… pic.twitter.com/y0j2GowX3O— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 16, 2023
Haven’t watched a whole tennis match in a long time haha THANKYOU @DjokerNole & @carlosalcaraz for putting on that incredible performance. Congratulations to you both 👑🙏🏽
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 16, 2023
Congratulations on your first Wimbledon crown Carlos Alcaraz. You certainly found your feet on grass this summer, an astonishing achievement against one of the greatest champions ever, Novak Djokovic. I’m sure there will be many more magnificent battles between you two. 🚀
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) July 16, 2023
What a thriller final from two incredible competitors.
Congratulations to @carlosalcaraz, the 2023 Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles winner! https://t.co/eH81SsyFPI
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 16, 2023
No comments 🤦♂️🤦♂️👏👏👏 @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/0KB1XQfjYC
— David Ferrer (@DavidFerrer87) July 16, 2023
Too good from Alcaraz, too good. What a match! 👏🏻
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) July 16, 2023
This is an insane level of tennis. The athleticism …….
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) July 16, 2023
What a final Wimbledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Wimbledon That level of tennis was inspiring @carlosalcaraz @DjokerNole
— James Blake (@JRBlake) July 16, 2023
Several stars from outside the tennis world also weighed in on the Spaniard’s success, including F1 legend Fernando Alonso, actor Ben Stiller and football player Toni Kroos.
El mejor 🥇🏆! Enhorabuena @carlosalcaraz 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/NuK3tMfBMD
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) July 16, 2023
And more class… Looking forward to seeing Rafa and Alcaraz out there again.
Congrats to @carlosalcaraz. What an incredible final. https://t.co/prr3Ar6mBE
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) July 16, 2023
first entire tennis match i watched since rogers retirement. its still worth it. thanks for the show @DjokerNole @carlosalcaraz and congrats carlitos! https://t.co/9nCrh3UDRV
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) July 16, 2023
Qué manera tan impresionante de coronarse en Wimbledon!! Felicidades, @carlosalcaraz!!
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 16, 2023
What a fantastic final to watch! Excellent tennis by both these athletes!
We’re witnessing the rise of the next superstar of tennis. I’ll be following Carlos’ career for the next 10-12 years just like I did with @Rogerfederer.
Many congratulations @carlosalcaraz!Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ZUDjohh3Li
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 16, 2023
Absolutely crazy @carlosalcaraz 🏆🎾
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 16, 2023
Big serves win big titles.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 on Sunday to win his first Wimbledon title on the back of a stunning serving performance. Alcaraz relied heavily on his first serve to close out the match, making six straight first serves at 5-4 in the fifth set to clinch the most significant victory of his career. He served 22 service games in the final, but none mattered more than the last one.
The following serve-related statistics identify that Alcaraz took his serve up a notch or two against Djokovic compared to his previous six matches to the final.
Magical Alcaraz Ends Djokovic Streak In Classic, Claims Wimbledon Crown
Average Serve Speed
Alcaraz served harder in the final with his first and second serves than in any match he played in the tournament. Djokovic’s potent return game required a serve recalibration.
Alcaraz Average First Serve Speed
Alcaraz failed to reach a first-serve average of 120 mph in any match to the final. Against Djokovic, he elevated to an average of 121.3 mph. Djokovic won 30 per cent (28/94) of first-serve return points for the match but only 26 per cent (5/19) in the deciding fifth set.
Alcaraz won 70 per cent (66/94) of his first-serve points in the final, which rose to 74 per cent (14/19) in the fifth set. That was the highest win percentage of any of the five sets. Alcaraz recognised what the moment called for.
Alcaraz Average Second Serve Speed
Alcaraz won 50 per cent (28/56) of his second-serve points in the final against Djokovic, which took it out of the liability column against arguably the best returner in the world. That’s a win in anyone’s book.
Alcaraz only won 14 per cent (1/7) of second-serve points in the opening set but finished strong, winning 70 per cent (7/10) in the fifth set. The extra speed on the second serve kept Djokovic from stepping in and forcing Alcaraz Serve +1 groundstroke errors.
Body First Serves
Alcaraz cleverly served a lot at Djokovic’s body in the final to give the Serbian a third location to defend against.
Alcaraz First Serve Direction (Deuce & Ad Courts)
Djokovic First Serve Direction (Deuce & Ad Courts)
Alcaraz served triple the amount of first serves at the body than Djokovic (24 to 8) to jam the Serbian and give him a third target area to worry about. It worked a treat. Overall, Alcaraz had 34 per cent (32/94) of his first serves unreturned, while Djokovic was significantly lower at 25 per cent (30/118).
The icing on the cake for Alcaraz was hitting nine aces to three against the Serbian. Three of those aces came in the fifth set. Alcaraz won all five service games he served in the fifth set, with only one of his service games reaching Deuce.
Overall, Alcaraz clubbed more than twice the amount of winners than Djokovic (66 to 32), but this match boiled down to a straightforward tennis equation of hold serve/break serve.
No shot helped Alcaraz put two hands on the golden trophy more than his scintillating serve.
Hsieh Su-wei and Barbora Strycova win in straight sets against Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens for their second doubles title together at Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz says becoming Wimbledon champion is “something that I dreamed about since I started playing tennis”.
Entering Sunday’s Wimbledon final, Novak Djokovic had not lost a match on Centre Court since 2013. Step forward Carlos Alcaraz, who ended the Serbian’s dominance at the grass-court major by capturing a thrilling five-set win.
The 20-year-old was ecstatic following his second major triumph and hopes his victory can inspire the next generation on Tour.
“Making history that I did today, it’s the happiest moment of my life,” Alcaraz said. “I think it’s not going to change for a long time. Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon championship is something that I dreamt about since I starting playing tennis. That’s why is the biggest moment of my life.
“Beating Novak at his best, in this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on that court, is amazing for me,” the Spaniard later added. “It’s something that I will never forget, that’s for sure. It’s great for the new generation, as well, I think to see me beating him and making them think that they are capable to do it, as well. It’s great for me and I think for the young players, as well.”
Magical Alcaraz Ends Djokovic Streak In Classic, Claims Wimbledon Crown
With his Tour-leading 47th win of the season, Alcaraz became just the fifth man in the Open Era (since 1968) to win multiple major titles prior to turning 21. The Spaniard’s victory also means he will begin a 29th week at No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.
His victory against Djokovic shows the continued rapid progress Alcaraz is making. Last month, he lost against the Serbian at Roland Garros, suffering with cramps after the second set.
“I am totally different player than Roland Garros,” Alcaraz said. “I grew up a lot since that moment. I learned a lot from that moment. As I said before the final, I took a lesson from that match. I did something different before the match. I prepared a little bit different mentally before the match. I could deal with the pressure, the nerves, better than I did at Roland Garros.
“Obviously on grass is different than on clay. But I’m really happy to be able to stay there. Didn’t get down, didn’t give up. I fought until the last ball. Every ball, I think we made great rallies, great points. It was long, long match, long sets. I think was the mental part that allow me to stay there during the five sets.”
Alcaraz now leads Djokovic 2-1 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, having also defeated the World No. 2 en route to the title at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid last year. Sunday’s victory was Alcaraz’s first against 23-time major champion Djokovic at a Slam, though, and he feels it is a result that will give him confidence in the future.
“Before this match, I thought I can’t beat Novak. That’s obvious. But after this epic match, let’s say, I think different about Novak in the way that probably in other tournaments, in other Grand Slams, I will remember this moment,” Alcaraz said.
“I will think that I’m ready to play five sets against him, good rallies, good sets, really long, long match, and stay there physically, mentally, in tennis, in general. Probably it changes my mind a little bit after this match.”
After winning the title, Alcaraz made his way to his player box, where he celebrated with his team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, and his family. It was a special moment for the 20-year-old.
“It’s big moment not just for me, but for my family, for all the people around me,” Alcaraz said. “It’s a really, really special moment. I start playing tennis thanks to my dad. [He is a] really huge fan of tennis. He was watching tennis before I was born. It’s crazy. His whole life, it’s about tennis.
“I think for them, watching their kid making history, lifting the trophy, winning Wimbledon, is something incredible for them. For me to have them there, giving them a big hug, it’s something that I will never forget. I hope to have a photo from that moment because I’m going to keep it forever.”
Alcaraz’s second major title at Wimbledon has lifted him to first in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin. The Spaniard will be aiming to make his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals in November, after missing last year’s event due to injury.
Novak Djokovic says his Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz is a “tough one to swallow” but he will “move on”.