"I'm so happy to win this trophy; it's a dream come true," said Spanish 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in his victory speech after defeating Serbian Novak Đoković 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) in a repeat of last year's Wimbledon final, thus defending his title at the most prestigious tennis tournament.

"In an interview when I was 11 or 12, I said my dream was to win Wimbledon, and now I'm living that dream. It feels amazing to play on this beautiful court and lift this incredible trophy. This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court, and the most beautiful trophy," Alcaraz said to cheers from the crowd on Centre Court.

Alcaraz's victory in Sunday’s final made him only the ninth player in the Open era to win the Wimbledon trophy in consecutive years. Having also won the Musketeers' Cup at Roland Garros a month ago, he joined the ranks of five legends—Rod Laver, Björn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Đoković—who have won Grand Slam titles on both clay and grass in the same year.

"It’s a great honor to be among those players who have won both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. They are great champions. I don’t consider myself a champion like them yet, but I will continue my journey and build my path."

Alcaraz's fourth Grand Slam final ended with him maintaining his perfect record in the biggest matches. He is only the second player in the Open era to achieve this, alongside Roger Federer, who suffered his first loss in an eighth Grand Slam final in 2006 at Roland Garros against Rafael Nadal.

Like last year at the All England Club, Alcaraz again prevented Novak Đoković from claiming his 25th Grand Slam title and becoming the all-time record holder, a record he currently shares with legendary Australian player Margaret Court. Unlike last year’s five-set battle, Đoković did not win a single set in this year’s final.

ai-translated