The differences are striking. Novak Djokovic will walk into the Wimbledon arena this Sunday, stepping onto the grass in his familiar green and purple gear, chasing another Grand Slam title. Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his first major victory at the US Open last year, will follow closely behind, aiming to add more trophies to his rapidly growing collection.
The Serbian star will pass through the storied hall where the names of every champion hang, his own name etched seven times in a row, the latest victories marking yet another era. At 36, Djokovic already boasts a long list of titles. He is twelve years older than his younger rival, who was still a teenager when he first stepped onto the court in this era.
Experience at the All England Club in London is a quiet giant behind Djokovic. He has dominated Centre Court with 45 matches won there. He has not lost at Wimbledon since 2013, apart from a brief retirement in 2017 due to injury. In total, Djokovic has played 102 matches at Wimbledon and lost only ten; Alcaraz has logged dozens of matches but a smaller share of this history.
“If we make the giant bigger, it becomes impossible to defeat him. Forget the past and the numbers. You can’t walk onto the court with that kind of baggage. Djokovic is the best in history, but he has two arms and two legs like everyone else.” Former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero spoke before the final (15:00, Movistar) [Attribution: Ferrero statements].
This is the grand final. A clash of generations. The moment everyone has anticipated from day one. The world No. 1 will be on the other side of the net for Alcaraz, who will be contesting his Wimbledon debut, while Djokovic pursues a record eighth title and a 24th Grand Slam. The arena is renowned as the premier stage for men’s tennis, heightening the drama as Ferrero observed, “Playing against Djokovic will be a peak moment for Carlos” [Attribution: Ferrero remarks], especially after Alcaraz reached the semi-finals on Friday.
“Play and enjoy.”
For Djokovic, breaking even more records would mark another milestone. “It will be a significant challenge, the greatest test right now—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Carlos is among the fastest players on the court and can do anything on the surface,” the Serb noted, highlighting how ready the 20-year-old is to lift his game [Attribution: Djokovic’s assessment].
Alcaraz has a clear plan. On Saturday, after a stroll through Wimbledon Park and a day dedicated to rest, recovery, and mental quiet, Ferrero organized a strategy session for the final. He advised isolating himself from distractions and what’s said about the match. “My favorite is Djokovic, so it has to be Carlos. Play and enjoy. This is the mindset for the match and for fighting with everything you’ve got,” Ferrero stressed [Attribution: Ferrero guidance].
The strategy drawn from the Paris experience is alive in the team’s discussions. The semi-final loss at Roland Garros, just over a month ago, remains a reference point for both the player and his circle. The message is simple: stay calm, manage time well, and keep nerves in check for the big moment ahead. Valencia’s coach echoed that sentiment, noting that even in grand events, calm under pressure wins more than anything else [Attribution: coach’s perspective].
Ferrero has faced Djokovic three times: a 2005 Umag victory for Djokovic was a long time ago when the Serb was just starting out, and their last encounter at Wimbledon in 2012 ended in a decisive straight-set win for Djokovic. “Those matches are distant memories now, and my work with Carlos is focused on the present. We discuss match situations, how to approach the bigger moments, and how to ease pressure. Carlos is a well-trained athlete experiencing rapid growth, and tomorrow will be another step in his development,” Ferrero said, underscoring the evolving nature of Alcaraz’s game [Attribution: Ferrero’s assessment].
The coach also pointed out the challenges that lie ahead. “Djokovic is a complete player with strong forehand, backhand, and serve. In matches like this, mental strength matters just as much as technique; to beat Carlos, one must execute superb tennis,” he insisted with conviction.
If Alcaraz plays boldly, he will seize opportunities. In tense moments, courage matters. It’s about trusting his style, staying brave, and refusing to abandon the game plan. It’s a delicate balance—between daring and control—as Ferrero reflected after observing Alcaraz’s preparations ahead of the title match.