Wimbledon

[seano]

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

[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

[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]

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]

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.

[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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[stroke]

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

[stroke]

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

[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]

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]

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

[stroke]

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

[stroke]

Carlos up 4-1 in the 3rd after a 32 or so minute break of Novak's serve. Carlos is showing exactly what it takes to have a good chance to take out Novak in a Major Final. This has been quite the battle.

[stotty]

Carlos wins the 2nd set tiebreaker somehow. I have never heard such a gleeful crowd reaction to a serve time violation called on Novak ha.

Well he's been getting away with murder with that stop clock. I counted 30 seconds a couple of times.

[stotty]

Interesting second set tiebreaker! Everyone expecting the lockdown mode Novak and then he misses 2 routine backhands, a backhand drop shot, and a double fault.. Yet somehow he had a set point as well!

Yep...those were surprising misses.

Carlos, here in the third set, is rallying very comfortably with Novak...and moving him around a lot....great use of the sliced backhand.