Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in straight sets to retain title

Alcaraz dethroned the seven-time champion 12 months ago in a five-set Centre Court classic, denying Djokovic a record-equalling eighth singles title.

But in what had been billed as a mouthwatering rematch, things were very different at the All England Club this time around.

Alcaraz won 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) with an uncharacteristic dropping of three match points on his own serve elongating the final set and in truth providing an inaccurate reflection of just how one-sided an encounter it truly was; it was all over in just two hours and 27 minutes.

The 21-year-old Spaniard becomes just the second man in the open era after Roger Federer to win his first four grand slam finals, while he has outdone the great Swiss, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal by reaching that landmark before his 22nd birthday.

With Jannik Sinner having won the Australian Open and Alcaraz going back-to-back at the French Open and here, it finally appears that men’s tennis belongs to the new generation.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is still agonisingly short of an all-time record 25th slam singles title, and remains one short of Federer’s tally of eight Wimbledon crowns.

Alcaraz said: “Honestly it is a dream for me winning this trophy. I did an interview when I was 11 or 12 and said my dream is to win Wimbledon. I’m fulfilling my dream.

“For me this is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and the most beautiful trophy.

“Djokovic is an unbelievable fighter, I knew he was going to have his chances. It was difficult but I tried to stay calm going into the tie-break and tried to play my best tennis. I was glad at the end I could find the solutions.”