Djokovic puts Alcaraz ‘slightly ahead’ of Sinner in Sunday’s Wimbledon final
After his 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 loss to Sinner, Novak Djokovic put the final perspective and picked the two-time defending champion Alcaraz as the slight favorite for Sunday’s final. Reaching his fourth successive major final and a first at Wimbledon, Sinner became the first man since the Big 4 – Roger Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and Andy Murray – to mark a final appearance at all four Grand Slams. While Alcaraz has remained unbeaten on Centre Court since 2023, the Spaniard has yet to reach the final in the Australian Open. While Djokovic kept Alcaraz a rung higher than his semi-final nemesis, he also offered the hard-hitting Sinner his chances. “Well, I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favourite because of the two titles he’s won here and the way he’s playing and the confidence he has right now,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said after his semi-final defeat. “But it’s just a slight advantage ’cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it’s going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah.” Sinner is coming off a harrowing defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open last month, losing a golden opportunity after having himself at championship point. The Italian said the Roland-Garros blip is not playing in his mind as he sets himself up for another Alcaraz test. “I’m thrilled to share once again the court with Carlos. It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it, no? I always try to put myself in this kind of situation that I really love. Sundays are very special at every tournament. “But this is a question I cannot answer because I think it’s something that you feel before the match, and also during the match. I can give you answers later. But no, it’s a different match. I’m looking forward to it.” Five-time Slam winner Alcaraz similarly downplayed his edge over the world No. 1. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a lot of things from the French Open final, that he’s going to be better. He’s going to be better physically, and he’s going to be better mentally. He’s going to be prepared on Sunday to give his 100%. I’m not thinking or I have an advantage mentally Sunday because of that match,” said Alcaraz.
