Wimbledon 2023 final LIVE RESULTS — Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz build-up, Marketa Vondrousova title win reaction
NOVAK DJOKOVIC and Carlos Alcaraz are gearing up for their mouth-watering Wimbledon men's final.
The Serbian great is hoping to equal Roger Federer's record of five straight titles, but will have to beat a World No 1 who is in sensational form.
Marketa Vondrousova shocked Wimbledon to beat Ons Jabeur in straight sets to win the Women's final.
And incredibly, unseeded Vondrousova was lowest ranked woman to win Wimbledon with her No 42 in the world placings.
- Men's final: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz - Sunday 2pm (UK) / 9am (ET)
- Wimbledon Order of Play for Sunday
- Get £50 welcome bonus when you join BetVictor and stake £10
- Who has won the most Grand Slams in men's tennis?
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You can follow all live action and updates about today's final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on our new blog.
Djokovic finds comfort in tie breaks
Novak Djokovic is on an incredible tie-break winning streak in 2023, having won 13 consecutively against players like Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz and Stan Wawrinka.
Coming up against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, fans expect him to have a close match.
However, the 36-year-old admitted that he feels "more comfortable" than his opponents when it comes to tie-breaks.
After beating Jannik Sinner, he was questioned on his streak to which he responded: "Yeah, I am aware of the tiebreak streak. I think the longer the streak goes, I guess mentally the more resilient or tougher I am in these particular situations.
"Coming into every tiebreak now, I feel I think more comfortable than my opponent just because of the record. I think that my opponents also know about that record. That mentally makes a difference.
"I was down 3-1 in the tiebreak. He really gifted me the point with the double-fault, and I was back in the tiebreak. It could have been 4-1 for him. Who knows what kind of direction the tiebreak would go into.”
Credit: The Times Djokovic v Alcaraz build-up – Carlos can join the record books before turning 21
If Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic today, he will become the sixth player in tennis history to win multiple grand slams before even turning 21.
His first Grand Slam was the 2022 US Open at age 19.
The only five other players to achieve this feat were Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic, David Nalbandian and Rafael Nadal.
The last time someone joined this record was back in 2006.
Djokovic v Alcaraz build-up – Novak can be the oldest Wimbledon winner
Novak Djokovic can become Wimbledon's oldest winner in the Open Era at 36 years and 55 days.
The record is currently held by Roger Federer.
The Swiss won the 2017 title at 35 years old on straight sets against Marin Cilic.
What are today's odds?
presented us with today's match odds.
The odds in Novak Djokovic's favour are 1/2.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz to maintain his no. 1 ranking position by winning today's final is 13/8.
Who are you putting your money on?
Djokovic v Alcaraz build-up – battle for No. 1
Whoever wins today final will become world no. 1.
There are 2000 points up for grabs for the winner while the runner-up will only receive 1,200 points.
Carlos Alcaraz leads the ATP rankings with 80 points from Novak Djokovic in second.
This will be the first final in two years in which the world no. 1 takes on no.2.
The last one was the 2021 US Open final between Novak Djokovic - who was world no. 1 - and Daniil Medvedev - who was no.2 and won that final.
Djokovic v Alcaraz build-up - second biggest age gap
The age gap between Novak Djokovic, 36, and Carlos Alcaraz, 20, is the second biggest gap in the history of Grand Slam finals.
The gap between them is that of 15 years and 349 days.
The biggest ever gap is that of 39-year-old Ken Rosewall and 21-year-old Jimmy Connors who went head-to-head in the 1974 Wimbledon final.
That year, Connors took home the Grand Slam title, winning with a score of 6-1, 6-1, 6-4.
How Alcaraz is approaching the Wimbledon final
Alcaraz and Djokovic meet again and the Spaniard aims to approach this final way differently from how he went into the semi-final at Roland Garros against the Serb.
The 20-year-old aims to have more mental preparation and get himself ready to avoid cramps.
He said: "I try to get into the court with not as much nerves as I probably had in French Open, in the semi-final. I try to pull out all nerves, try to enjoy that moment 'cause probably in the semifinal at the French Open I didn't enjoy at all in the first set probably.
"I'll do something different from the match. I prepare the match a little bit different from French Open. It's going to be different for me. I hope not to get cramp during the final. I think I'll be better on Sunday.
“Well, physically I'll do it the same, what I was doing before the matches. Probably in the mental part I will do something different, to stay calm, to show that I'm not nervous.
"Some exercise in the mental part. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'll do some exercise to stay calm and to forget - or I'll try to forget that I'm going to play a final against Novak."
Credit: Getty Djokovic v Alcaraz build-up - head-to-head record
What makes this final so special is that even though they're two of the best tennis players in the world, we've barely seen Djokovic and Alcaraz play against each other.
The two have only met twice before and they hold a record of 1-1 against each other.
Their first meeting was at the Madrid Masters in 2022 when Alacaraz won 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5).
The other was at Roland-Garros 2023 in the semi-finals, where Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
The Wimbledon men's singles final will be the first time Djokovic and Alcaraz go up against each other on grass and not clay.
Wimbledon to commission a statue of Andy Murray
Sources suggest that Wimbledon bosses have agreed to commission a statue of Andy Murray - similar to the one of Fred Perry near Centre Court.
Reports say that the location and style of the statue have already been agreed.
It comes as last week, when the cameras showed Perry's statue, John McEnroe was heard saying: "One day, maybe Murray will be there too."
Murray won the Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 and is the only British player to win the singles title at Wimbledon since Perry did from 1936 to 1936.
The 36-year-old casted doubt over his future at Wimbledon in the post-match press conference after his loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas, in which he said: "I don't know. Motivation is obviously a big thing. Continuing to have early losses in tournaments like this don't necessarily help with that."
Meanwhile, his mother Judy told the Daily Telegraph yesterday: "They (Andy and his brother Jamie) still love it. They love the battle. They love the sport. I wouldn't have imagined I'd still be going with them, but it's what they want to do.
"And for as long as they want to do it they'll keep going. Who knows how much longer. But when you saw the performance Andy put up the other day against the world No 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas, when he's got a metal hip and four kids, it's unreal what he's come through."
What did Princess Kate tell Vondrousova?
As Kate Middleton presented Marketa Vondrousova - Wimbledon women's champion - with her trophy, she congratulated her on her win.
The Czech revealed what the princess said, it being: "It’s as much a mental game as it is a physical game – so really impressive and a great game to watch.
"I hope you enjoy this moment. Good luck on your recovery and down time. Lovely to see you.”
Credit: Getty Kate set to return to Wimbledon with Prince of Wales
The Prince and Princess of Wales will both be in attendance at today's Wimbledon Men's Singles final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Yesterday, Kate Middleton sat next to Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King as they watched Market Vondrousova defeat Ons Jabeur in the ladies' singles final.
She also presented the players with the trophies as she consoled the Tunisian who suffered yet another Grand Slam final defeat.
In a press conference, Jabeur was asked what Kate said to her, to which she responded: "Same thing after last year – to encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a grand slam, win a Wimbledon.
"Obviously she was very nice. She didn’t know if she wants to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me. That was a very nice moment and she’s always nice to me.”
The different lifestyles of Djokovic and Alcaraz
Even though they're both tennis players, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz live a completely different lifestyle to each other.
From their net worth to their home and partners - the two are nothing alike.
Read all about their lifestyles below.
Good Morning!
The day for one of the most anticipated Wimbledon finals is here.
It's the old vs the new. The King of the Centre Court vs the heir.
Novak Djokovic will contest for a record of eight single while Carlos Alcaraz aims to add another Grand Slam to that of the US Open.
We will be bringing you live updates - the build-up, the celebrity news and all sport action - on this blog as another tournament of Wimbledon comes to an end.
Order of play for today
For one final time this fortnight, here is the order of play for Day 14 of the 2023 Championships.
And there is one standout match – first up on Centre Court at 2pm.
Centre Court (play starts 2pm):
- GENTLEMEN’S SINGLES FINAL – C. Alcaraz (ESP) 1 v N. Djokovic (SRB) 2
- LADIES’ DOUBLES FINAL – S. Hunter (AUS) E. Mertens (BEL) 3
v S-W. Hsieh (TPE) B. Strycova (CZE)
No1 Court (play starts 11am):
- GENTLEMEN’S WHEELCHAIR SINGLES FINAL – T. Oda (JPN) 1
v A. Hewett (GBR) 2 - BOYS’ SINGLES FINAL – H. Searle (GBR) v Y. Demin 5
- GENTLEMEN’S INVITATION DOUBLES FINAL – B. Bryan (USA) M. Bryan (USA) v J. Blake (USA) L. Hewitt (AUS)
Today's final set to be one of the greatest
The colossal King of Centre Court who has not lost on it for a decade aiming for a record eighth singles crown up against surely the heir to his throne and the world No1.
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz.
The best two tennis players in the world facing off for the most prestigious prize of all.
Djokovic eyeing a 24th major and the third leg of the Calendar Slam.
Alcaraz bidding to add to his US Open from 2022 and dethrone the seemingly untouchable Djokovic.
Today's Wimbledon weather forecast
The Met Office had predicted there could be some scattered showers for the final day of Wimbledon.
The Met said: "Southeastern areas largely dry with sunny spells, and the highest temperatures.
"Cloudier elsewhere, although some sunny intervals, and scattered showers, perhaps locally heavy.
"Breezy inland, windy along the south coast with maximum temperatures of 22 °C."
Who is Carlos Alcaraz Garfia?
Carlos Alcaraz Garfia was born on May 5, 2003, in Murcia, Spain, and is a professional tennis player.
As of July 2023, he is ranked world No1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
The youngster made his first ATP debut at the Rio Open in 2020, at the early age of 16.
A year later, Alcaraz qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open – making him the youngest participant in the men’s singles.
John McEnroe slams Wimbledon umpire for Djokovic penalty
Umpire Richard Hugh was criticised by John McEnroe for penalising Novak Djokovic for hindrance during the semi-final against Jannik Sinner.
Taking Djokovic’s side, the tennis legend said on BBC: “First of all, did you notice that Sinner’s ball went back into the court and dropped a foot from the baseline?
“So how much of a hindrance could it have been? I mean come on. Then the call for a time warning in the same game…”
Tim Henman added: “It was bizarre. So rarely do you see a hindrance call. Sometimes in doubles when they’re talking you might get it. But in a singles situation like this, in the semis of a slam on Centre Court, it was so unexpected.”
McEnroe continued: “He (Djokovic) handled it admirably. Way, way better than most players. I would’ve hated it if that had been the turning point. It’s one thing if Sinner lifts his game – that’s great, competition – but not when the umpire gets in the middle of it.
“Obviously this umpire wanted his name in the paper. I mean, come on! But fortunately, Novak held. It would’ve been a real shame if he hadn’t held there.”
Princess Anne’s two-word review of Wimbledon
It is well known that the late Queen and her only daughter, Princess Anne, are not fans of tennis.
In fact, even though Queen Elizabeth II was made patron of Wimbledon, she only attended the event four times during her 70-year reign.
The Princess Royal’s biographer, Brian Hoey, revealed the two-word review Anne left for Wimbledon.
He wrote: “The Princess Royal is also not much of an. enthusiast, saying that Wimbledon is too ‘cauldron-like,” referring to the shape of the court.
Despite her dislike of tennis, Princess Anne attended the prestigious tennis tournament before, most noticeably in 1969 when at 18 years old she presented winner Ann Jones with the women’s singles title.
Credit: PA:Empics Sport Some of Wimbledon’s darkest secrets
The tennis world has shared its fair share of scandals throughout the years – from drug abuse to match fixing.
Our very own Grant Rollings takes a look at some of the darkest secrets around Wimbledon.
Read all about it below.
McEnroe amazed by ‘unheard of’ feat in Alcaraz win
Wimbledon legend John McEnroe was stunned to see five breaks in a row as Carlos Alcaraz continued his incredible push for glory.
The Spaniard, 20, was far too good for Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev under the Centre Court roof, winning 6-3 6-3 6-3.
Sunday’s final against Novak Djokovic will be in a different league for the No1 seed.
And McEnroe told the BBC: “Medvedev looked resigned at some points.
“He did make a subtle adjustment, got back into it a couple of times but Alcaraz was able to remain relaxed and stay in control.
“It is unheard of that we have five breaks in a row at this level.”
Unseeded Marketa Vondrousova makes history
Marketa Vondrousova caused more Centre Court heartache for Ons Jabeur as she became the first unseeded winner of the Wimbledon women’s singles championship.
The 24-year-old Prague battler joined an illustrious yet small list of Czech Republic left-handers to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish following a 6-4 6-4 victory over Tunisian trailblazer Jabeur.
This time twelve months ago, the world No.42 was not even involved in the Wimbledon main draw and had to watch the action off a TV set.
She was in London last July but only as a tourist while recuperating from wrist surgery and also planning the last details for a wedding, the one-year anniversary of which is on Sunday.
It is remarkable that more than a year after undergoing wrist surgery to clear out some ‘floating bones’ she was here on the big stage, lifting a major title for the first time and falling to her knees in celebration.
And under the watchful eye of nine-time singles champion Martina Navratilova – who famously switched nationalities from the old Czechoslovakia to the United States – Vondrousova became the sport’s first unseeded Grand Slam singles champion since Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open.
Meghan Markle’s best friend sat inches away from Kate Middleton in Wimbledon royal box
Royal fans have spotted one of Meghan Markle's A-list pal's sat close to Kate Middleton in Wimbledon.
Priyanka Chopra enjoyed the Women's Singles Final donning a floral dress and sunglasses as she cozied up to her husband, Nick Jonas.
The pair enjoyed the game from the comfort of the royal box, just inches away from the Princess of Wales.
The Baywatch actress, 40, first buddied up with Meghan back in 2016 when they both attended the Elle Women in Television dinner in Los Angeles.
From there, they bonded in Canada as they were both filming close to each other.
Priyanka was also guest at Meghan and Prince Harry’s star-studded wedding in May 2018.
