We are in for a treat as the Wimbledon men’s final will be a #1 vs #2 battle between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Will Djokovic earn a historic #24 and tie Roger Federer with eight Wimbledon titles? Or will Alcaraz show that now is the time to dethrone the Serbian? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the match. Predicting the final are Jack Edward, Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, Shane Black, and Manuel Traquete. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Men’s Final Predictions
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Jack:
It’s the final everybody wanted. First things first, I’m not expecting a repeat of the French Open semifinal–the grass will almost benefit Carlos Alcaraz in this instance as the points won’t go on for as long so nerves will be less likely to cause cramp. I expect them both to be playing their best and, if that’s the case, Alcaraz will certainly be able to cause Djokovic some issues. He hits big enough on the forehand to find a way through the Serb and his serve and all-court game are now good enough to finish points quickly against the best defender in the world.
Djokovic should still be considered the favourite, however. Where Alcaraz COULD serve well, Djokovic WILL serve well. He’s not the four-time defending champion here by accident. He’ll lock-down when he needs to—maybe Alcaraz will find a way through that lock-down-mode but I still think more of the cheap points will go the way of the defending champion.
I’m expecting a fantastic level with Alcaraz peaking for important periods of the match. Djokovic is the king on grass though and this isn’t his time to be dethroned.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
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Jordan:
It is the final the vast majorities of neutrals wanted since the tournament began. Both men underlined their positions as #1 and #2 in the world with superb performances in their respective semifinals. The matchup on grass is fascinating. Despite how good Alcaraz is from the baseline, grass is the only surface where I feel confident saying Djokovic does have the edge there. But the Spaniard can compensate for some of that with what an excellent volleyer he is to mix the game up, as he showed repeatedly against a stubborn Daniil Medvedev. Alcaraz will have to serve perfectly as well. I’m backing Djokovic to win with his astonishing CV on grass. But I don’t say it with absolute confidence.
Prediction: Djokovic in 4
Nurein:
Records are Novak Djokovic’s severest rival at this point. He is a man determined to win at all costs. Djokovic has lost one final at Wimbledon and that was a decade ago. If that sort of stat doesn’t unsettle Carlos Alcaraz, then I don’t know what will. The Serb has turned Centre Court into a fortress, vanquishing some of the very best to do it. But I suspect Alcaraz will have learned a great deal from their last showdown at Roland Garros where he succumbed to cramps and Djokovic ran away with the match. The approach will have to be different and he’ll need to be inventive and thoughtful because Djokovic doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. The Spaniard will give it his best shot, but Djokovic will hand him his first Grand Slam final loss in a classic.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Shane:
The third edition of the Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic rivalry will take place on arguably the biggest and most revered stage in tennis. The two top men’s seeds have taken the All England Club by storm, each dropping just two sets in six matches. The young Spaniard has played in (and won) his fair share of high-level matches, but it does not compare to the experience his 23-time Grand Slam Champion opponent brings to this match. Alcaraz will have moments of brilliance on Sunday, but his key will be keeping that level up for a three+ hour match. In the end, I believe Djokovic’s consistency and ability to move Alcaraz around the court will be the difference. I trust his ability to dictate the crucial points in this match. Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Manuel:
It’s a dream Wimbledon final as the top two players in the world face each other in a clash of generations. 36yo Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down, with 20yo Alcaraz will be eager to get a statement win here. When they faced in Paris, Alcaraz was the favorite but cramps betrayed him; this time Djokovic will be the favorite and Alcaraz should be able to swing a bit freely, but it might still not be enough to dethrone the Serb.
Prediction: Djokovic in 5
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
