Wimbledon 2023 has served up the men’s singles final that most tennis fans wanted as the best two players in the world meet on Centre Court.
Top spot in the rankings is up for grabs as well as a grand slam title and while this is the final that was widely predicted, picking a winner is not as easy despite Novak Djokovic being the clear favourite.
This has the potential to be a thrilling final and the match to go to five sets at 2/1 is our opening Alcaraz vs Djokovic prediction.
Age gap no issue for Alcaraz
Alcaraz, at the age of 20, became the youngest man to reach the final since fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in 2006 with a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev.
Alcaraz is no respecter of reputations and the Russian third seed was barely in the match until a couple of breaks of serve were exchanged in the third set.
Even then, Alcaraz finished Medvedev off with a brutal forehand, his 27th winner of the semi-final.
Alcaraz is 16 years younger than his opponent in the final and is out to deny Djokovic an eighth Wimbledon title.
“It gives you extra motivation,” he said. “I think it’s more special to play the final against a legend from our sport.
“If I win, it could be amazing for me – not only win a Wimbledon title but to do it against Novak would be super special.
“But I always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Novak is one of them. It would be great if I can do it.”
The pair have met twice before, both on clay, with Alcaraz winning in Madrid last year before Djokovic triumphed in the French Open semi-finals last month when the first two sets were shared before Alcaraz suffered with cramp and only won two more games.
We expect there will be little between the players in the early stages and 13/5 for the first set to go to a tie-break appeals at 13/5 in the Alcaraz vs Djokovic odds.
History in the making again
Djokovic is making history with virtually every victory and a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) win against Jannik Sinner in his record-equalling 46th grand slam semi-final earned him a record-breaking 35th final, taking him past American great Chris Evert.
He is now looking to match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and Margaret Court’s haul of 24 grand slam crowns.
“Judging by the performances that we have seen from all the players, I think this is probably the best final that we could have,” said Djokovic. “We are both in good form. We’re both playing well.
“I want to take this title without a doubt. I look forward to it. It’s going to be a great challenge, the greatest challenge that I could have at the moment from any angle really: physical, mental, emotional.
“He’s one of the quickest guys on the tour. He can do pretty much anything on the court. I consider myself also a very complete player.
“We had a very good match until he started struggling physically in Paris. I think we really took the level of tennis very high. I think it was great for the audience and great for us players to be part of that.
“Obviously completely different conditions here. I do have more experience playing in many more grand slam or Wimbledon finals than him. Still, he’s in great shape. He’s very motivated. He’s young. He’s hungry. I’m hungry, too, so let’s have a feast.”
The experience on grass, especially at Wimbledon, can give Djokovic the edge given the Serbian is unbeaten on Centre Court since losing to Andy Murray in the 2013 final.
For the last of our Alcaraz vs Djokovic betting tips, we’re backing the favourite to lose the first set but win the match which can be backed as a bwin price boost at 5/1.
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