Wimbledon news: Novak Djokovic fumes vs Carlos Alcaraz as BBC viewers claim final 'rigged'

Wimbledon news as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz compete in the men's final.

Carlos Alcaraz wins Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles title

and are set to compete in the final with the Serb hunting a 24th Grand Slam triumph. There are many records on the line for the 36-year-old, including matching eight SW19 trophy lifts.

However, young gun Alcaraz has been in blistering form and blew away No 3 seed in the semi-finals. The Spanish hot-shot has been the talk of the town and is expected to take the fight to his opponent.

Djokovic is wary of his new rival and is planning to put on a show. "He's in great shape. He's very motivated. He's young. He's hungry. I'm hungry, too, so let's have a feast," he explained.

Alcaraz said: "I believe I can beat Djokovic. Everyone knows the legend he is. I will fight. I will believe in myself. There's no time to be afraid, no time to be tired."

Day Ten: The Championships - Wimbledon 2023

Wimbledon LIVE as Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the men's final (Image: Getty)

Prince Louis wants to be a ballboy

The Princess of Wales says her five-year-old son Louis wants to be a ballboy and has been practising.

Kate presented both the men's and women's Wimbledon winners with their trophies this weekend.

And she also stopped for a chat with 16-year-old ballboy Joel, who said: "He (Louis) tries to practise the standing and staying serious like us.

“He tries to practise the stands and how we stand at the back of the court and next to the players.”

Alcaraz reacts to Djokovic comment

Carlos Alcaraz has reacted to Novak Djokovic saying that he is a mixture of the Big Three.

"It's crazy that Novak say that, honestly. But I consider myself a really complete player. I think I have the shots, the strength physically, the strength mentally enough to (indiscernible) these situations," Alcaraz said.

"Probably he's right. But I don't want to think about it. I going to think that I'm full Carlos Alcaraz, let's say, but probably I have some great ability from every player."

Alcaraz tipped to lead new generation

Carlos Alcaraz has been backed to lead the new generation of tennis after his thrilling first victory in a Wimbledon final.

Tim Henman has explained how the 20-year-old is an outstanding ambassador for the sport in Spain, but also how he can take on a leadership role among the new stars of tennis.

"It is huge and with Nadal leading the way for so long, we are looking for the future generations in the sport," Henman said when asked about the impact of Alcaraz's victory in Spain.

"They have been incredible ambassadors for our sport, and when you talk about the role models really trying to influence the younger generation, we’ve been spoiled in both the men’s and the women’s game.

"Carlos Alcaraz is going to be fantastic to lead the way in men’s tennis going forward."

BBC viewers want McEnroe return

BBC viewers were disappointed that they were treated to just a few minutes of John McEnroe during today's coverage of the final.

The American appeared just before Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic took to the court for a brief conversation with Pat Cash and Clare Balding.

But he spent the entire day on ESPN for the American audience despite being one of the most recognisable faces of the Beeb's yearly Wimbledon programming.

Viewers made several complaints as they were not happy with his replacements in the commentary booth.

You can read the full story .

Alcaraz jokes at Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz could not resist laughing as he attempted to heap the praise on Novak Djokovic by saying that he watched the 36-year-old growing up.

“It’s a dream come true for me. I said before it so good to win but even if would have lost I would be really proud of myself," Alcaraz said.

"Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true. It was unbelievable to play in these stages. It’s amazing for a boy – 20 years old - I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast.

"I am really proud of myself, I am really proud for the team and the work we put in every day to be able to lift this. After the first set I thought ‘Carlos, increase the level. Everyone would be disappointed’.

"I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him. You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you. Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. You said 36 is the new 36 and you make that happen. It’s amazing."

Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz talking after his Wimbledon win. (Image: Getty)

Djokovic sends classy message to Alcaraz

Wimbledon runner-up Novak Djokovic made a classy speech after losing to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court.

"Good afternoon to everyone - not so good for me but good for Carlos," he said. "I have to start with praises to Carlos and his team. What a quality at the end of the match when you had to serve it out. You can up with some big plays in the big situation and you absolutely deserve it. Amazing.

I thought I would have trouble with you only on clay and hard court, but not on grass but now it's a different story from this year obviously. Congrats, amazing way to adapt to the surface,. You played maybe one or twice. Amazing, what you did in Queens and congratulations to everybody in your team.

As for me, you never like to lose matches like these but I guess when all the emotions are settled I'll have to be very grateful. I won many tight and close matches in the past here, to name a few. 2019 against Roger. Maybe I should have lost a few finals that I won so maybe this is Even Stevens."

Carlos Alcaraz crowned Wimbledon champion

Carlos Alcaraz is the 2023 Wimbledon men’s singles champion after a thrilling five-set win over Novak Djokovic.

The 36-year-old had been attempting to win a fifth consecutive SW19 title but he was stopped in his tracks by Alcaraz in a 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 victory.

It is his first Wimbledon title and could mark the beginning of a new era in tennis as Centre Court was in awe of the quality on show today.

Djokovic smashes racket

Novak Djokovic smashed his racket in a fit of rage after being broken by Carlos Alcaraz in the fifth set.

The Serb was unable to prevent Alcaraz from taking a foothold in the match and vented his frustration by throwing his racket into the net.

He received a conduct violation as Tim Henman was not impressed by the outburst. "It does happen," he told the BBC.

"There are plenty of people that smash their rackets on the court. I don't like it on the net-post in that close proximity to the ball boy behind.

"But that being said, it's done. He's moved on from it, he got a code violation and there has been so much incredible tennis... that's what we want to talk about."

Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic smashed his racket in the Wimbledon final. (Image: BBC)

Djokovic ties it up

Novak Djokovic won the fourth set to send us to a crucial fifth against Carlos Alcaraz, over four hours after the pair started play.

Just one deciding set will decide whether the Serb can claim a fifth Wimbledon title in a row, as the young Spaniard aims to win for the first time.

The record for a men's final is four hours and 57 minutes, so get your stopwatches ready...

Kyrgios slams BBC

Nick Kyrgios has been unable to play at this year's Wimbledon due to an injury that has ruled him out of the tournament, but he continues to have his say.

Last year's finalist has been critical of the BBC's coverage alongside numerous viewers - after a big shakeup from the broadcaster.

John McEnroe has been absent from commentary in favour of his ESPN gig, while Kyrgios has not been impressed with those in the Beeb's booth.

You can read the full story .

Alcaraz in command

Carlos Alcaraz may have put one hand on his first Wimbledon title, having won the third set to take a lead over Novak Djokovic.

In a war of attrition at times, the youngster came out on top to win 6-1 in a set that included a 27-minute game.

Djokovic will need to return to his form of the first set in order to prevent a new name from being written on the trophy.

Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz won the third set over Novak Djokovic. (Image: Getty)

Djokovic rages at umpire

Novak Djokovic broke into a rage at the Centre Court umpire in between points during a long second set against Carlos Alcaraz.

Timekeeping has been controversial throughout the match as the Serb was unhappy as he went to grab a towel from a ballkid.

He had earlier been called for a time violation, while BBC viewers complained over a clock malfunction as it was paused while Djokovic prepared to serve.

Fans complain final is rigged

Viewers on BBC noticed a clock error at the final that caused many to complain that the match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz was "rigged".

A malfunction appeared to allow the Serb to have extra time to serve, before later receiving a time violation.

But eagle-eyed fans have complained that something is afoot on Centre Court...

You can read the full story .

Djokovic hit with penalty and loses set

Novak Djokovic has been penalised for a time violation on serve - and has now just lost the second set 7-6 (8-6).

The match is tied at one set apiece after Alcaraz won an enthralling Centre Court tiebreak.

Before the Spaniard clinched the second set, however, the crowd cheered as the Serb was hit with a penalty by the umpire.

Read more about Djokovic being penalised .

And you can follow the match with game-by-game updates right .

Djokovic was punished for taking too long to serve (Image: BBC)

Henman Hill closed

Wimbledon have been forced to close Henman Hill, or as some may know it - Murray Mound.

During the final, fans who have not been able to enter Centre Court have also been turned away from watching on the iconic hill outside.

BBC host Clare Balding explained why the hill was closed over capacity concerns, with supporters forced to look elsewhere to watch the final.

You can read the full story .

British teen wins title

British teenager Henry Searle claimed victory in the Wimbledon juniors to end a 61-year hoodoo.

The 17-year-old became the first Brit since 1962 after Sir Stanley Matthews' son of the same name first took victory.

Searle defeated Russian Yaroslav Demin 6-4, 6-4 in front of a jubilant Court One as they cheered on the unseeded champion.

You can read the full story .

Henry Searle.

Henry Searle is a Wimbledon champion. (Image: Getty)

Djokovic takes first set

Novak Djokovic showed no signs of nerves as he was clearly on top to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 6-1 in the first set.

The Spaniard struggled and was made to wait over 30 minutes to win his first game, leading BBC commentator Andrew Castle to say: "He's getting a mauling here and it's embarrassing for him and you look at that, Alcaraz is the world No 1 and Djokovic 2, but nothing is going his way."

Alcaraz received a huge cheer to win his only point, but Djokovic has made a strong start in his bid for a fifth-consecutive Wimbledon title.

He appeared furious, however, having been visibly frustrated in a fiery exchange with his box having been outplayed by Djokovic.

BBC slammed for coverage

The BBC have been criticised for their coverage across finals weekend, having broadcasted both the men's and women's finals.

The Beeb's impartiality has been questioned, having been accused of focusing on just one player in the tournament.

Amid a host of changes to the programming, including Sue Barker being replaced by Clare Balding, some viewers have hit out at the "atrocious" coverage.

You can read the full story .

Wimbledon final underway

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are out on Centre Court to play in the 2023 Wimbledon final.

The Serb is eyeing his fifth consecutive SW19 title and is attempting to equal Roger Federer's record of eight championships.

Alcaraz at 20 is looking to win for the first time at Wimbledon, having been dubbed the leader of the new generation of tennis.

You can keep up to date with our live blog of the match .

Wimbledon final Djokovic and Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Wimbledon final. (Image: Getty)

Djokovic injury concern

Novak Djokovic has sparked panic during his warm-up ahead of the Wimbledon final today.

He was spotted wearing strapping on his hamstring in what could be a potential boost for Carlos Alcaraz.

The Serb has not mentioned any injury worries going into the final, but it could definitely be worth monitoring to start the match to see how the injury affects Djokovic.

You can read the full story .

Brit Hewett loses final

Alfie Hewett was unable to follow up his doubles victory with a win in the wheelchair men's singles final against Tokito Oda.

The Brit lost 6-4, 6-2 but insisted he will be back for future glory at SW19.

"First of all congrats to Tokito and your team," he said. "What a performance out there today and I hope you enjoy yourselves later on.

"This has been not my first time on Court One this week and I really feel like wheelchair tennis is being put on the map at Wimbledon and I just want to thank Jamie Baker, and everyone at the All England Club who make this possible and took a chance on wheelchair tennis on courts like this.

"I know it didn't go my way this ear but I will be even more determined and motivated next year to perform in front of you guys. Hopefully I will be more motivated and be back next year."

Alcaraz told to chill out

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander has told Carlos Alcaraz that he needs to "chill out" to stand a chance of getting the better of Novak Djokovic.

As the two prepare for the Wimbledon final, Wilander has warned of a French Open repeat where the Spaniard suffered from cramp which he claimed was caused by nerves against Djokovic.

"In Paris, I would say he was too prepared and started thinking about it as soon as he won in the quarters," Wilander told Eurosport. "It seems like he started thinking about it too early, and we heard that from one of his coaches.

"I think he just has to take it down a notch and chill out, which is not easy, to not be thinking about the final.

"He needs to work on things that might help him, but he just has to go through regular preparations, and he should be okay.

"He needs to not think about the final too much, and I think he learnt so much from their match in Paris."

Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz after reaching the Wimbledon final. (Image: Getty)

Djokovic all set...

Novak is primed to go at SW19 ahead of his final showdown later on, and has been clocked heading into the All England Club will all his belongings... including a trusty waitrose bag.

Djokovic was seen off by his wife Jelena, who took a cute picture of her husband heading on his merry way ahead of a date with destiny.

Victory today will see the Serbian ace pull level with tennis icon Roger Federer.

Vondrousova had help

Marketa Vondrousova has controversially claimed a decision from tournament bosses helped her win her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon.

The Czech star stunned crowds at the All England Club by ripping up the script and defeating Ons Jabeur in the final to claim the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Speaking candily after her heroic performance, Vondrousova admits certain elements played into her hands and decisions around what to do with the centre court roof actually ended up propelling her to glory.

FULL STORY HERE.

McEnroe's wardrobe malfunction

Oh John McEnroe, where would Wimbledon be without you?

The BBC pundit and tennis icon has admitted to two wardrobe malfunctions during his playing career, including one at Wimbledon.

He noted his escapades after Ons Jabeur was forced off Centre Court yesterday, after she wore all-black instead of the traditional white outfit at the Grand Slam.

McEnroe sympathised however, and admitted the very same thing had happened to him before.

FULL STORY.

Why does Djokovic eat grass?

It's an act that leaves fans baffled over and over again.

Taking to the Wimbledon court, world No.1 Djokovic always bends down and plucks a tiny amount of grass, before placing it into his mouth while the masses watch on.

It happens every time like clockwork, and will almost certainly occur again after today's final with Carlos Alcaraz should he emerge victorious.

HERE'S WHY.

Djokovic has a baffling custom of eating a blade of grass before his matches

Djokovic has a baffling custom of eating a blade of grass before his matches (Image: GETTY)

Millions on the line

It's final day and both Djokovic and Alcaraz are searching for a slice of history.

Sure, both players are endlessly on the hunt for records, accolades and sporting recognition... but there is some serious prize money at stake.

Wimbledon after all is an elite level sporting tournament with huge coverage and mass sponsorship - which all makes for a very tidy prize pot indeed.

FULL PRIZE WINNINGS BREAKDOWN.

Alcarav forces Djokovic privacy complaint

Novak Djokovic complained about the lack of privacy this week after Carlos Alcaraz's dad filmed his practice session.

"That's the situation we are all in, the circumstances are such that we don't have privacy in training, although sometimes I would like to have more privacy," the Serb said.

"Then it gives me more opportunities to try some things, to communicate more clearly with my team.

"The fact is that you are not completely relaxed in training. You know your rivals are there, you know everyone is looking over your shoulder at what's going on, what you're working on. Every shot is measured, evaluated and assessed."

It could prove to be just the motivation Djokovic needs to secure his 24th Grand Slam title.

Cheating row escalates

Since Novak Djokovic was penalised for a 'hindrance' after grunting loudly during his semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner, many players have weighed in on the incident.

It has sparked a conversation over whether some stars are trying to cheat the rules to put their opponents off.

American Taylor Fritz wanted to make it clear that he feels there is an element of cheating, particularly in the big moments of matches.

"I can’t speak to this specific instance because I didn’t see it," he tweeted.

"Novak doesn’t come to my mind when I think of this rule, BUT some players I can think of extend/delay grunts A LOT on big points to put you off and it needs to be called more by umpires."

Morning one and all

Good morning and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the final day of Wimbledon.

We'll have all the build-up ahead of the popcorn clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at 2pm.

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