Wimbledon final 2023: Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in men’s final – live scores

Jamie Braidwood on Centre Court

Here we go. It’s the best men’s final we could have had – the two best players in the world as Carlos Alcaraz looks to deny Novak Djokovic Wimbledon history.

I think this will go five… let’s hope for a classic.

A surreal moment as Brad Pitt sits down about three rows in front of me.

Carlos Alcaraz waves to the crowd as he comes out following Novak Djokovic. Centre Court is packed, they’ll appreciate the acknowledgement from the Spaniard who will be well backed this afternoon.

The players meet at the net to receive their pre-match instructions and have the coin toss. Alcaraz wins the toss and will receive the serve first.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are watching on from the Royal Box as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic make their way towards the court. There are focused faces on both men.

This match is expected to go the distance as the World numbers 1 and 2 go head-to-head for the Wimbledon title.

The men’s singles title is on the line with the most exciting up-and-comer Carlos Alcaraz taking on the best player in the world (despite the rankings) Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic is the reigning Wimbledon champion. He’s won the last four tournaments held at SW19 and looks on course to make it five in a row today.

Can Alcaraz pull off a surprise victory?

Novak Djokovic has won an incredible 15 tiebreaks in a row ahead of today’s final, including six at these Championships. Djokovic, by the way, thought his streak was at 13, so he’s losing count of how many deciders he has won this year.

“I think the longer the streak goes, I guess mentally the more resilient or tougher I am in these particular situations.

“Coming into every tiebreak now, I feel I think more comfortable than my opponent just because of the record. I think that my opponents also know about that record. That mentally makes a difference.”

Carlos Alcaraz: “Playing a final here in Wimbledon is something that I dream about when I start playing tennis. As I said before, it’s even better playing against Novak.

“It’s going to be a really emotional moment for me. But I’ll try to stay calm in that moment. For Novak is one more day, one more moment. For me, it’s going to be the best moment of my life I think.

“It gives you extra motivation [to play Djokovic]. I think it’s more special to play final against a legend from our sport.

“Well, if I win, it could be amazing for me – not only win a Wimbledon title but do it against Novak would be super special.

“I grew up watching him. I mean, he has beating all the big guys, Roger and Rafa, when he was younger.

“Being the guy he is right now, everything he has been through is amazing. As I said before, he has no weakness. He’s really complete guy, really complete player. He’s amazing. He does nothing wrong on the court. Physically he’s a beast. Mentally he’s a beast.”

What goes into the making of a classic Wimbledon final? Go through the illustrious list of men’s singles champions at the All England Club and their signature triumphs are all defined by a historic final moment, enhanced by the records that were on the line and enriched by an opponent of legendary status on the other side of the net. On Sunday, Novak Djokovic will play Carlos Alcaraz in a Wimbledon final that has it all, a moment in time that could end up as one for the ages. “I think this is probably the best final that we could have had,” Djokovic agreed.

The two best players in the world will meet in a showpiece that spans generations: at 36, Djokovic will bid to join Roger Federer by winning a men’s record eighth singles crown and 24th grand slam title. Alcaraz, at 20, is through to his first Wimbledon final, a destination that was beyond the world No 1’s wildest expectations just weeks ago. It is the widest age gap between two men’s grand slam finalists in 48 years and the young Spaniard is now faced with the toughest challenge in tennis; Djokovic has won 34 consecutive matches at Wimbledon, he has not lost in SW19 since 2017, and not on Centre Court since 2013.

Play on the outside courts has just been paused due to a very brief shower passing over the All England Club.

The rain must have only lasted a couple minutes, and play quickly resumed on Court One as Henry Searle features in the boys’ singles final.

The forecast for the afternoon is quite mixed but the roof remains open on Centre Court.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte have arrived at Wimbledon with the Prince and Princess of Wales to watch Novak Djokovic try to win a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title.

The appearance marks Charlotte’s Wimbledon debut while her older brother George, nine, attended last year’s event for the first time. Their younger brother Prince Louis, five, will not be in attendance.

Novak Djokovic: “This is probably the most anticipated finals I guess from the beginning of the tournament, from most of the people. Alcaraz, myself… It will be his first finals in Wimbledon.

“He’s so young, but he’s incredibly consistent now, also on grass. Which I don’t think many people expected him to play so well because his game is basically, yeah, built and constructed and developed for clay mostly or slower hard courts. But he’s been incredibly successful in adapting to the surfaces and demands and challenges of opponents on a given day.

“I see this as a great trait, as a great virtue. I see this as one of my biggest strengths throughout my career, that I was able to constantly develop, adapt, and adjust my game depending on the challenges basically. That’s what he’s doing very early on in his career.

“Kudos to him. Amazing player. Great guy also off the court. He carries himself very, very well. He respects the history of the sport, respects everyone. No bad words about him at all.”