With an instant-classic, five-set win over all-time great Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon men’s final, Carlos Alcaraz has cemented his status as men’s tennis’ brightest young star.
The Spaniard’s enormous victory is his second in as many tries in a Grand Slam final — after his crowning achievement at the 2022 US Open — and brings him halfway to the career Grand Slam at just 20 years old.
“It’s a dream come true,” Alcaraz said following the crowning achievement. “Playing a final against a legend of all of sports, for me, it’s incredible.”
For winning the tournament, Alcaraz takes home $3 million — tied for the most in Wimbledon history (2019) — to bring his career earnings to $19.7 million. After finishing first on the money list last season ($10.1M), he brings his 2023 total to $7.8 million to pass Djokovic ($6.6M) for 2023’s top spot.
The Serbian, who lost his bid to win a fifth straight Wimbledon crown, claims just over $1.5 million for his efforts as runner-up, bringing his career earnings total to $171.2 million — extending his lead for the most of any tennis player ever.
Overall, Wimbledon awarded $56.6 million at this year’s event — an all-time tournament record and an 11% increase from 2022.
With the Wimbledon win, Alcaraz retains the No. 1 ranking in the world, while Djokovic stays at No. 2.
It was the first time the two players — the two best in the world right now — had met in a Grand Slam final. Alcaraz had previously beaten Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2022 ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid, with Djokovic returning the favor in the 2023 French Open semis.
Hopefully for tennis fans, it’s not the last time.
