‘The best final we could have’ – Novak Djokovic fired up to face Carlos Alcaraz in blockbuster Wimbledon decider

Novak Djokovic says he’s as motivated as ever at Wimbledon despite no longer chasing a men’s Grand Slam record and described Sunday’s clash with Carlos Alcaraz as “the best final we could have.”

Djokovic’s victory at Roland-Garros earlier this year made him the standalone record holder for men’s major singles titles on 23, but that hasn’t slowed him down in pursuit of a 24th at the All England Club.

The Serbian has the chance to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight men’s singles titles at Wimbledon this year, while he will reclaim the world No. 1 spot if he beats top seed Alcaraz.

“I don’t feel much difference. Ambition is always the highest for me: always to win the title. It’s not changing regardless of the place in history books,” Djokovic said.

“Maybe some people think that it would be a huge relief for me winning Roland-Garros, being the only men’s tennis player with 23 Slams. It’s not.

“I mean, pressure is there. It’s still very high. I still feel goose bumps and butterflies and nerves coming into every single match. I’m going to be coming into Sunday’s final like it’s my first.

“I don’t want to approach that final in any more relaxed way than I have previous ones, meaning the intention needs to be clear. Goal and approach will be as serious and professional as it has been always.”

While Djokovic is pursuing his 24th major title, Alcaraz is looking to win just his second, after his maiden triumph at the US Open last year.

The 20-year-old sensation has risen to the world No. 1 spot over the last year, electrifying crowds with his entertaining all-court game and flying past third seed Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.

But Djokovic was most impressed by how Alcaraz has adapted to a new surface, having won Queen’s this year in just his third grass-court tournament appearance and now reaching the SW19 final.

“He’s so young, but he’s incredibly consistent now, also on grass,” Djokovic said.

“I don’t think many people expected him to play so well because his game is basically built and constructed and developed for clay mostly or slower hard courts.

“But he’s been incredibly successful in adapting to the surfaces and demands and challenges of opponents on a given day.

“I see this as a great trait, as a great virtue. I see this as one of my biggest strengths throughout my career, that I was able to constantly develop, adapt, and adjust my game depending on the challenges basically. That’s what he’s doing very early on in his career.

“Kudos to him. Amazing player. Great guy also off the court. He carries himself very, very well. He respects the history of the sport, respects everyone. No bad words about him at all.”

The battle between the top two seeds will decide the Wimbledon men’s draw this year, and Djokovic believes it’s the outcome everyone was hoping for.

“Judging by the performances that we have seen from all the players, I think this is probably the best final that we could have. We are both in good form. We’re both playing well,” said the Serbian.

“I guess I want to take this title without a doubt. I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great challenge, greatest challenge that I could have at the moment from any angle really: physical, mental, emotional.

“He’s one of the quickest guys on the tour. He can do pretty much anything on the court. I consider myself also very complete player.

“We had a very good match until he started struggling physically in Paris [at the French Open semi-final].

“I think we really took the level of tennis very high. I think was great for the audience and great for us players to be part of that.

“Obviously completely different conditions here. Grass is massively different from clay. Yes, I do have more experience playing in many more Grand Slam or Wimbledon finals than him. Still he’s in great shape. He’s very motivated. He’s young. He’s hungry. I’m hungry, too, so let’s have a feast.”

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