16 July 2023 , 16:33
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Jamie Carragher has used his perspective as an ex-footballer to point out an interesting facet of Novak Djokovic’s gripping Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic is bidding for a 24th Grand Slam title and an eighth title at Wimbledon on Centre Court. He is up against the world number one and top seed Alcaraz, who has the all-round game to prevent Djokovic’s name going on the trophy for a fifth straight time.
After losing the opening set 6-1, Alcaraz found his feet and fought back admirably, taking an epic second set to level at 1-1. He then broke Djokovic’s serve three times in the third set to win 6-1 and turn the tables on his much more experienced opponent.
The match had an emotional edge, with both players shouting out in celebration and frustration throughout. Both looked to their coaches, friends and family in stands for moral support and, on occasion, pointers, which caught the attention of ex-Liverpool defender Carragher.
He tweeted: “Brilliant #WimbledonFinal so far, but what always fascinates me is the relationship between the player & his coaches. The constant eye contact & reassurance the player seems to need, plus all the complaints & blame to his own team when he misses a shot!!”
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One of his followers replied: “It’s because they’re alone mate, can’t lean on other players on the pitch in the same way footballers can.”
Carragher quote-tweeted and wrote: “I get that, but for the best players in the world it seems excessive! It reminds me of when a kid plays sport & looks at his parents after every action!!”
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz before the match (Getty)Carragher was not the only ex-footballer enjoying the Wimbledon men’s final; Gary Lineker was gripped. “The 2nd set of the final between @DjokerNole and @carlosalcaraz is incredible,” he tweeted. “What a set. Absolutely brilliant and gripping!”
After a 26-minute game on Djokovic’s serve in the third set, he added: “Extraordinary game: longer than some sets. 2 warriors!”
Djokovic was not just shouting to his box for support, he was also keen to voice his annoyance to chair umpire Fergus Murphy. The defending champion was handed a time violation for exceeding 25 seconds on his serve, while he was also warned for delaying by wandering over to use the towel mid-game.
While Djokovic always has a select group of super supporters, the majority of the Wimbledon crowd were clearly cheering for Alcaraz. The 20-year-old is going for his second Major, having triumphed at the US Open last year.