Wimbledon

[stroke]

Carlos wins the 3rd, up 2 sets to 1. Oddsmakers now have Carlos as the slight favorite to win.

[stotty]

It looks like Novak might be struggling physically early in the third...or is it the start of a rope-a-dope.

[stroke]

It looks like Novak might be struggling physically early in the third...or is it the start of a rope-a-dope.

I am guessing B ha

[stotty]

Novak is really going to have to play now 1-3 down in the fifth. Carlos is covering the ground like a hare and dealing with Novak's serve better than anyone else this tournament.

You feel it's Novak's forehand that hasn't as penetrating as it has been the last two weeks.

[stroke]

Carlos to serve for the match. Novak has played like Novak.

[stroke]

Carlos did it. He took it. What a win and what a match.

[jimlosaltos]

Perhaps Carlos Alcaraz's return of serve deserves a bit more attention.
Holding Djokovic to 62% won on first serve on Wimbledon grass is an achievement.
And look at the disparity in winners -- over twice as many for Alcaraz: 66-32
Defense to instant offense.

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[stotty]

I did say a few posts up how well Carlos handled Novak's serve. Carlos, as Roger used to, nearly always got Novak's serve back in play for a decent return. I felt Carlos managed to go one step further than Roger against Novak because, dare I say it, Carlos is a tad quicker than Roger around the court. Reaching balls no one else would made a big difference in a lot of points today.

From Novak's point of view, his forehand just didn't penetrate as much today and the unforced error count was high for him.

[stroke]

I did say a few posts up how well Carlos handled Novak's serve. Carlos, as Roger used to, nearly always got Novak's serve back in play for a decent return. I felt Carlos managed to go one step further than Roger against Novak because, dare I say it, Carlos is a tad quicker than Roger around the court. Reaching balls no one else would made a big difference in a lot of points today.

From Novak's point of view, his forehand just didn't penetrate as much today and the unforced error count was high for him.

Roger was a great mover. No doubt to me Carlos. even a better mover than prime Roger.

[stotty]

Although Carlos' drop shots didn't work for much of the match, he suddenly found supreme confidence and trust in the shot right at the end, hitting some stunners that left Novak anchored to the spot. It made a big difference in that fifth set and stopped Novak locking down as effectively as he usually does against everyone else. I thought the drop shot might have a significant role in the match but was surprised Carlos could execute it so well under so much pressure and at such key moments.

He seems a nice kid. I wonder what the future holds for young Carlos. He will be in a class of his own once Novak finally bows out of the game.

[stroke]

Although Carlos' drop shots didn't work for much of the match, he suddenly found supreme confidence and trust in the shot right at the end, hitting some stunners that left Novak anchored to the spot. It made a big difference in that fifth set and stopped Novak locking down as effectively as he usually does against everyone else. I thought the drop shot might have a significant role in the match but was surprised Carlos could execute it so well under so much pressure and at such key moments.

He seems a nice kid. I wonder what the future holds for young Carlos. He will be in a class of his own once Novak finally bows out of the game.

His drop shot, which to me is top tier, is less effective vs Novak because of 2 reasons. Novak is a top tier mover, and he really hugs the baseline, does not give up court. That being said, Carlos is so good with the dropper that it is still a factor

[seano]

Today, Carlos became a man. To hold up to the opponent and the pressure, sky's the limit now.

[johnyandell]

I was really happy for Marketa and her husband and her cat! She seems cool. Loved the bet with her coach over the next tatoo.

[johnyandell]

Carlos was amazing! I love the internationism of tennis.

[seano]

It can get frustrating listening to former players discuss technique on broadcasts. During the final, with Djokovic serving 1-3, in the fifth, he must have been having a wrist issue during the previous change over. Jim Courier starts discussing the reason Djokovic is struggling and serving long is because of his inability to snap his wrist down. Snapping his wrist would bring the ball down faster and allow it to land in the service box. Chris Evert has said similar things in the past. I know it's nit-picking but frustrating none the less.