Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from defending his Wimbledon title after a comeback victory over Daniil Medvedev secured his place in Sunday’s final. The fifth-seeded Medvedev sought revenge for last year’s semi-final defeat but fell short as Alcaraz triumphed 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
After a shaky start, Alcaraz regained his form and clinched the win, celebrating with outstretched arms and a roar when Medvedev’s shot went wide on the first match point. The 21-year-old Spaniard will face either Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the final, potentially setting up a rematch of the 2023 showpiece.
Despite initial cheers from the Centre Court crowd, Alcaraz faced brief boos during his on-court interview after commenting on Sunday’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. “It will be a good day for Spanish people as well,” he remarked, later clarifying with a smile, “I didn’t say Spain are going to win but I say it will be a fun, fun day.”
If Alcaraz wins the final, he will become the ninth man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title, joining the ranks of Djokovic, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. Additionally, he aims to achieve back-to-back victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, a rare feat accomplished by his hero Rafael Nadal in 2008 and 2010, and most recently by Djokovic in 2021.
