Djokovic breaks down in tears during on-court interview after Wimbledon final

16 July 2023 , 18:13

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An emotional Djokovic after the match (Image: BBC)

Novak Djokovic broke down in tears as he addressed his wife and son after losing an incredible Wimbledon final.

The Serb was beaten by world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court, despite winning the opening set, as his quest for a fifth successive title was ended. Djokovic's wife Jelena was in the stands with his son Stefan and he got emotional when he saw them during his post-match interview.

Asked by BBC presenter Annabel Croft if he had anything to say to his team, Djokovic said: "It is nice to see my son still there, still smiling." His young son was applauded by the crowd before Djokovic's eyes began to fill with tears, while his wife was also visibly emotional.

He added: "I love you. Thank you for supporting me. I will give you a big hug and we can all love each other."

Djokovic took the opening set 6-1 as he asserted his dominance but went on to lose the match after doing so, for the very first time at Wimbledon. Alcaraz fought back to take the second 7-6 before winning the third set 6-1. Djokovic rallied to take the match into an incredible fifth set, before the Spaniard eventually prevailed after almost five hours.

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"I thought I only had trouble with Carlos on clay and hard court but now on grass too! He adapted amazingly. You never like to lose matches like this but when all the emotions have settled I have to be grateful. "I have to congratulate Carlos. I lost to a better player today.

"I have won so many close matches over the years and maybe should have lost a couple of matches I won, so maybe this is even. It is a tough one to swallow when you are so close. These are the moments we work for every day and I have been blessed with so many incredible matches and this is another one in the history books."

Djokovic speaks to the crowd after the match (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

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Alcaraz went on to pay tribute to Djokoivc, who is 16 years his senior, after he claimed his second Grand Slam title.

"It is amazing to play against him. He has inspired me a lot. I started playing tennis, watching Novak and he was already winning tournaments when I was born," the world No.1 said.

Alcaraz is set to pocket around £2.35m after winning the men's singles title, with Djokovic getting £1.75m for finishing as runner-up.

Liam Prenderville