Skip to main content Skip to footer 
Novak Djokovic says “history will be on the line” when he faces Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon men’s singles final. Djokovic has the opportunity to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight men’s Wimbledon titles and secure a record 25th Grand Slam singles triumph with a win on Sunday.
The 37-year-old Serbian, who had knee surgery just three weeks before the start of the tournament, is currently tied with Australian Margaret Court on the all-time list with 24 singles majors. “Of course, it serves as a great motivation,” Djokovic said. “But at the same time there is also a lot of pressure and expectation. Wimbledon just extracts the best of me and motivates me to always show up and perform the best I can.”
The final is a repeat of last year’s clash, which Alcaraz won in five thrilling sets after four hours and 42 minutes. The highly anticipated showdown starts at 14:00 BST and will be live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.
Djokovic Overcomes Injury and Hostile Crowd
Djokovic has faced challenges both on and off the court this year. He has had tense moments with the Wimbledon crowd, accusing some fans of using their cheers for his opponent as an excuse to boo him during his fourth-round win against Holger Rune. After his semi-final victory over Lorenzo Musetti, some fans booed him for his playful violin celebration meant for his daughter Tara.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic has shown a lighter side, spending an extra rest day playing tennis with his children on Wimbledon’s practice courts and engaging in football banter with fans and reporters.
Djokovic’s 2024 season has been below his usual standards, with no titles won so far and Wimbledon being his first final since the ATP Finals in November. “I wasn’t sure until three, four days before the tournament whether I’m going to take part,” said Djokovic, who had surgery in June after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee at the French Open. “I made an extra effort to recover as quickly as possible just because it was Wimbledon.”
Alcaraz Aims to Maintain Grand Slam Record
Carlos Alcaraz, 21, who won last year’s Wimbledon final against Djokovic, could become the youngest back-to-back men’s singles winner at Wimbledon since Boris Becker in 1986. Alcaraz is unbeaten in Grand Slam finals and recently won his first French Open title. A win on Sunday would make him the youngest man to win at Wimbledon and Roland Garros in the same year.
Despite his success, Alcaraz remains humble about his rapid rise in tennis. “Sometimes I feel like I’m 26 or 27 and then I realize that I’m just 21 and everything is coming too fast and too quick,” Alcaraz told BBC Sport. “It could be better if I had to wait a little bit, but I’ve put in the hard work every day and I am glad people get to see me achieve my dreams.”
Hewett Seeks Career Grand Slam in Wheelchair Tennis
Britain’s Alfie Hewett aims to complete a career Grand Slam in the wheelchair men’s singles final on Court One at 11:00 BST on Sunday. The 26-year-old has won 28 Grand Slam titles but has yet to win the Wimbledon singles. He will face Spanish fourth seed Martin de la Puente, who defeated defending champion Tokito Oda in the semi-finals. Hewett will also partner with Gordon Reid in the doubles final, aiming to secure their sixth Wimbledon title together.
