Wimbledon trophy will be engraved during final before winner even decided

16 July 2023 , 12:57

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Wimbledon trophy will be engraved during final before winner even decided

The Wimbledon trophy will be engraved once again by Sunday evening as Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz at SW19.

Djokovic is gunning for his fifth title in a row on Centre Court and his eighth overall as he looks to tie level with Roger Federer's record. But Alcaraz is the man many see as his long-term successor at the top of the sport and he will be hoping to add his name to an illustrious list of winners.

The Spaniard could join the likes of Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Fred Perry on the famous trophy, should he emerge victorious.

And ahead of the final, Wimbledon engraver James Neville told the BBC about the process and why it begins before the match is even over.

"It is very nerve-wracking but you have to concentrate, have a steady hand and block out that excitement. We have to zone out to do what we do," he said.

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"The same techniques and tools are used, from the first name on the trophy to the name we will engrave today. As soon as they have match point we start engraving. It takes a bit of time and we like to concentrate and take our time and make sure we get it done correctly."

Unsurprisingly, Neville admits that mistakes simply cannot happen with the engraving but concedes a familiar name winning the trophy does make things slightly easier.

Djokovic is eyeing a fifth successive Wimbledon title (PA)

"There are techniques that can be done to correct mistakes but at this level, they can't be made. Djokovic has been done before many times which helps with the nerves. It is a shortish name and that makes it a bit easier and less daunting."

Djokovic has enjoyed an impressive tournament to date and did even face some jeers from the Wimbledon crowd during his semi-final win over Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz, 20, has never got past the fourth round stage but will be hoping to put an end to Djokovic's domination of the men's singles tournament.

Liam Prenderville