Carlos Alcaraz has toasted Rod Laver after joining the Australian tennis legend in an exclusive club with his Wimbledon triumph over Novak Djokovic.
Just 21 years old, Alcaraz is already a four-time grand slam champion — and now one of only six men in the Open Era to have won the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Alcaraz defends title against Djokovic at Wimbledon.
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Laver first achieved the astonishing feat in 1969 and a decade later Bjorn Borg did so three times in a row, before each of the Big Three had their moment in the sun.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer did the double in 2008 and 2009 respectively before Nadal went again in 2010, and Djokovic joined them in 2021 after pairing his second Roland Garros title with the grass-court championship.
But among them only Alcaraz can claim to have done it at the first opportunity.
The Spaniard claimed his maiden French Open just five weeks ago and, after only two lead-up matches on grass, lifted the famous Wimbledon trophy on Sunday.
“It’s a huge honour to be part of that group — the same table as Novak, huge champions,” Alcaraz said.
“I don’t consider myself a champion yet, not as them — but I’ll keep on my path, on my journey.”
Alcaraz was well aware of his place in history when he spotted Laver in the crowd during his lap honour, receiving a nod of approval from the 85-year-old in return.
“Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph over a great champion like Novak Djokovic is a testament to his incredible talent, determination and composure under pressure,” Laver wrote on social media.
“Carlos has cemented his place among the tennis greats with his brilliant performance today. Well done Carlos!”
Alcaraz was at his sublime best throughout the first two sets and his only real low moments came when he was attempting to serve out the match at 5-4 in the third.
He hit a double fault and three championship points would go begging before sealing it in a tiebreak.
“I was seeing the win so far away, he’s an unbelievable fighter and I knew he’d have his chances again,” Alcaraz said of his missed chanes.
“It was difficult for me. I tried to stay positive going into the tiebreak and I tried to play my best tennis. I’m glad I could find the solutions, I played a great tie-break.
“Honestly, it’s a dream for me, winning this trophy again. It’s a great feeling to lift this amazing trophy; this is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and most beautiful trophy.”
– with AAP