Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz celebrates ‘a dream come true’ as Novak Djokovic praises ‘amazing’ new champion

Carlos Alcaraz revelled in “a dream come true” after coming from a set down to beat Novak Djokovic 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.

Alcaraz was delighted to have won the tournament aged just 20, and also acknowledged the quality of his opponent.

This was the 20-year-old’s first Wimbledon victory after making his presence known as a real contender for the biggest trophies last year.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It’s a dream come true for me. I said before it so good to win but even if would have lost I would be really proud of myself.

“Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true.

“It was unbelievable to play in these stages. It’s amazing for a boy – 20 years-old – I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast.

“I am really proud of myself, I am really proud for the team and the work we put in every day to be able to lift this.”

After going down a set, he explained his change of approach.

He continued: “After the first set I thought ‘Carlos, increase the level. Everyone would be disappointed’.

“I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him. You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. You said 36 is the new 26 and you make that happen. It’s amazing.”

The pair played for almost five hours and speaking after the match, he praised his opponent and joked that he had underestimated Alcaraz before the match.

“Good afternoon to everyone – not so good for me but good for Carlos,” he began.

“I have to start with praises to Carlos and his team. What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out.

“You can up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it . Amazing. I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it’s a different story from this year obviously. Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface.

“You played maybe one or twice. Amazing, what you did in Queens and congratulations to everybody in your team.”

Djokovic also suggested there would no chance of him walking away any time soon from the sport.

“As for me, you never like to lose matches like these but I guess when all the emotions are settled I’ll have to be very grateful.

“I won many tight and close matches in the past here, to name a few. 2019 against Roger. Maybe I should have lost a few finals that I won so maybe this is Even Stevens.”

After a strong start to the season, winning both the Australian and French Open titles, he said it would take time to appreciate how far he went at SW19.

He added: “I will be tomorrow morning probably but today not so much. Tough one to swallow when you are so close. There are the moment that we work for every day to play on the biggest stages and biggest courts and most important tournaments in the world.

“I’ve been blessed with so many incredible matches throughout my career. I’m really grateful. I lost to a better player and I have to move on stronger.

“It’s nice to see my son still there, still smiling. I love you, thank you for supporting me and we can all have a big hug, and love each other. Thank you.”