Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win fires fresh chatter on GOAT, Big 3 dominance

“2023 C ALCARAZ” says fresh green lettering on a board at Wimbledon, where arguably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world has just ended. The new name on the board is preceded by that of N Djokovic for the years 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022. Wimbledon was not held in 2020 as the world grappled with Covid.

It was winner-takes-all at Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Superstar Djokovic, 36, was not only denied his 24th Grand Slam and eighth Wimbledon title by 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the latter also retained his number 1 spot in the ATP rankings for men’s singles tennis by winning his first Wimbledon and second Grand Slam title. He won his first last year at the US Open.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz wins Wimbledon 2023: What records did he break?

Alcaraz was expected to beat Djokovic later this year while defending his US Open title. But not on Djoko’s turf, Wimbleddon’s grass, which the Serb has completely dominated in the last decade and a half. He was on a 34-match winning streak at Wimbledon coming into the final

Novak Djokovic said as much. “I thought I only had trouble with Carlos on clay and hard court but now on grass too! He adapted amazingly. You never like to lose matches like this but when all the emotions have settled I have to be grateful… I have to congratulate Carlos. I lost to a better player today,” he said in post match comments that also saw him break down in tears as he addressed his wife and son in the stands.

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As the new champion accepted the glittering golden trophy, the internet exploded in celebration. Will the kid be GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), asked fans in awe. Two Grand Slam titles in less than a year and he is only 20, they argued. Others pointed out that he has a long way to go before he can get within striking distance of the Big 3.

The Big 3 –  Novak Djokovic (23 Grand Slam titles), Rafael Nadal (22 Grand Slam titles) and Roger Federer (20 Grand Slam titles) – have for long been at the centre of the GOAT debate.

Roger Federer retired last year at 41. The indomitable Nadal is 37 and beset with injuries, but refuses to give up. Djokovic is 36. In the last many years, other players have only been able to snatch a Grand Slam title here or there, with the Big 3 taking the bulk of them home. 

After Nadal at number 2, the next on the list of active players with the most Grand Slam titles are Englishman Andy Murray, 36, and Swiss Stan Wawrinka, 38, both with 3 Grand Slam titles each.

Alcaraz already has 2. Another two wins and he will be fourth after the Big 3. 

This was only the fourth tournament that Carlos Alcaraz has played on grass and, at 20 years and 72 days. he is  the third youngest winner at Wimbledon since 1968, when the open era began Boris Becker was 17 years and 227 days old in 1985 and Bjorn Borg was 20 years and 27 days old when he won in 1976.

After his big win, Carlos Alcaraz said of his legendary opponent, “It is amazing to play against him. He has inspired me a lot. I started playing tennis watching Novak and he was already winning tournaments when I was born.”