Wimbeldon 2023: Why Carlos Alcaraz's win over Novak Djokovic is more than just a simple ‘power shift’ in men's tennis?
Carlos Alcaraz ending Novak Djokovic’s dominance at the grass-court with a thrilling five-set win has already initiated talks about generational shift in men’s tennis. As the rule of the game, this was bound to happen but But this epic moment of power shift in men’s tennis much more significant than what fans have witnessed earlier Some of the most talked about generational shifts in men’s tennis include Bjorn Borg to John McEnroe, then again to John McEnroe to Boris Becker. Roger Federer defeating Pete Sampras in fourth-round match in 2001 was another defining moment of generational shift that Wimbledon has witnessed. But, Alcaraz's moment was bigger than that.
The ‘big three’ of men's tennis - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic dominated the courts for over two decades, having shared a total of 65 Grand Slam titles. Hence, a change of guard was due for a long time. Earlier also, the trio had called out many challengers but later burnt them like fire. But what Wimbledon 2023 witnessed on Sunday night seemed like a ‘real deal’. "Carlos has come at a perfect time," Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander told Reuters.
"He's so infectious, he's the perfect person at the perfect time. But he can't keep losing to Djokovic in Grand Slams." Why Alcaraz's win over Djokovic is bigger than Federer beating Sampras? Some expert cites that Federer had it easy against Sampras in 2001 was well past his prime. But, Djokovic is still at his peak and flying high.
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