Wimbledon - Day 14: King Carlos retains his crown

Last July, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic conjured a modern-day classic in a scorching five-set rumble for the Spaniard’s maiden Wimbledon triumph.

On Sunday, Alcaraz became just the sixth man in the Open Era to win Roland-Garros and then Wimbledon in the same summer – joining Djokovic, his idol Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Björn Borg and Rod Laver. Alcaraz is already in that company, already an all-time great at just 21-years-old.

“Well, obviously I've seen and I've heard all the stats that I am the youngest to win at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon the same year,” stated and immensely ambitious Alcaraz.

“I honestly try not to think about it too much. It's a really great start of my career, but I have to keep going. I have to keep building my path.

“At the end of my career, I want to sit at the same table as the big guys. That's my main goal. That's my dream right now. It doesn't matter if I already won four Grand Slams at the age of 21. If I'm not keep going, all these tournaments for me, it doesn't matter.”

Let’s put the Alcaraz phenomenon into some context. ‘Big Three’ gladiators Djokovic, Nadal and Federer didn’t have four majors at his age. He’s built himself a head start.

“I don't know what is my limit. I don't want to think about it. I just want to keep enjoying my moment, just to keep dreaming. So let's see if at the end of my career it's going to be 25, 30, 15, four.

“All I want to say is I want to keep enjoy, and let's see what is the future bring to me.”

The 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) scoreline paints the picture.

The first game, which included 20 points, over 14 minutes and Alcaraz breaking at his fifth opportunity. That set the tone.

The hammer forehands were slamming, the serve was several levels better than the rest of the tournament – a pumped-up Alcaraz clattered his fortnight fastest 136mph delivery – whilst his explosive artillery kept Djokovic off balance, guessing, reactive, instead of being proactive.

Alcaraz simply dictated the first two sets.

Over the net, Djokovic was never going to wilt. 4-5 down he fended off three Championships points, rattled through seven points to threaten an almighty comeback.

Not so. Alcaraz connected with a series of sumptuous pick up and half volleys, some trademark drop shots. His touch in the heat of battle, under such pressure, was what makes this 21-year-old a generational talent. It was of course all done with a smile.

“Obviously it was a great match for me. Novak didn't play his best the first two sets, a lot of mistakes. I made the most of that,” reflected the champion. “I'm really proud and really happy about it.”

Alcaraz hailed his era-defining opponent as “superman,” and Djokovic reciprocated that respect as a gracious runner-up.

Four weeks ago Djokovic had right knee surgery, finding himself at 37-years-old in a 37th major final defies belief. But Djokovic has made a Hall of Fame career from pushing boundaries.

“Huge congrats to Carlos. Deserved this win today,” said a gracious Djokovic, having been denied an all-time (men’s or women’s) record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

“I tried to fight my way in the third and come back… I guess it was inevitable for him to win today because he was just coming out on the court with a better quality tennis. It's as simple as it is.

“Last year, I lost in an epic five-set match that we went toe-to-toe. This year it was nothing like that. It was all about him. He was the dominant force on the court.”

Djokovic signed off his trophy presentation interview with a statement for his rivals – “let’s keep it going” – the Serbian is still seeking more major moments.

“I still have intentions to play Olympic Games, hopefully have a chance to fight for a medal for my country,” continued the seven-time Wimbledon winner.

“Let's see how physically and mentally I'm going to feel. Hopefully I can find the right tennis 'cause I'm going to need all I have and more to go to the final of the Olympic Games.

“As far as coming back here, I would love to. I don't have anything else in my thoughts right now that this is my last Wimbledon. I don't have any limitations in my mind. I still want to keep going and play as long as I feel like I can play on this high level.”