Carlos Alcaraz downs Novak Djokovic in thriller to claim maiden Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz produced a performance for the ages as he defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in a five-set epic to claim his maiden Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam. To be clear about the enormity of what the 20-year-old achieved on Sunday as he triumphed 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, Djokovic had not lost a match on Centre Court for over 10 years when he was defeated by Britain's Andy Murray in 2013.

Ad To battle past Djokovic on the most famous stage in tennis was one thing, but to do so having not previously appeared in a Wimbledon final, and to find a way back from losing the opening set so emphatically, was truly remarkable. WimbledonAlcaraz triumph 'unbelievable', Djokovic hitting net post 'a big regret' — Wilander44 MINUTES AGO In just his 18th professional match on a grass court, Alcaraz was able to overcome the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion with the crowd treated to an instant classic that went all the way in thrilling fashion.

The tension was immediately palpable with both players having so much on the line: Djokovic was eyeing a men's record-extending 24th Grand Slam singles title; Alcaraz, meanwhile, was gunning for his maiden crown at the All England Club. The nerves that blighted Alcaraz in his semi-final against Djokovic at Roland-Garros were present once again as he immediately lost his serve under immense pressure and struggled to find his rhythm from the back of the court.

It took until the sixth game for the Spaniard to belatedly get himself on the board, by which point Djokovic had already seized the initiative in the match and established a commanding lead. An early break at the start of the second set gave Alcaraz some fleeting encouragement, but it did not take long for the 36-year-old