Weekend Review: No escape from Alcaraz for Novak in Centre Court classic

Carlos Alcaraz made history at Wimbledon on Sunday after emerging victorious against one of the sport’s most imperious figures in the shape of Novak Djokovic.

The 20-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing the first set 6-1 to win in five sets against the all-conquering Serbian to add to his US Open win last year.

Djokovic was going for his fifth straight Wimbledon win and 24th major Grand Slam title, which showed the impressiveness of Alcaraz’s win.

A devastating serve, innovative shots and a genuine crowd pleaser, Alcaraz could well have marked a new epoch for the sport.

To put his victory into context, since Alcaraz was born, only Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray have won the men’s Wimbledon singles title.

The youngster’s trouncing in the first set sparked an ebb and flow for bettors and layers on Sunday afternoon.

Kindred Group’s Ali Gill said: “It looked like the start of the changing of the guard at Wimbledon on Sunday as 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz beat Wimbledon supremo Novak Djokovic.

“As well as being a fantastic game with some unbelievable tennis on show, it was also just about a layer-friendly result.

“Alcaraz wasn’t without support before the match, and despite losing the first set 6-1, the game ebbed and flowed throughout, with prices and money reflecting that. Although we came out ahead, there wasn’t a whole lot in it.”

Djokovic was matched at 1.22 (2/9) in running on Betfair Exchange after winning the first set 6/1.

Bet365’s Steve Freeth added: “Tennis fans were treated to a classic on Centre Court with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic producing a five-setter – something that we don’t like but bet builder fans love, especially with our Super Boost of both players winning a set (4/9 – Evens) landing.

“Alcaraz had started the Wimbledon fortnight as a 7/2 chance, shortening to 13/8 for the final, but he was out to 10/3 after the first set before rallying to lift his first Wimbledon trophy and he’s our 6/4 favourite to do it again in 2024.”

In the women’s singles final, Markéta Vondroušová became the first unseeded player to win the title after upsetting sixth seed Ons Jabeur.

Vondroušová, who is ranked 42nd in the world, dispatched of the favourite 6-4 6-4 to take the win, and further postpone Jabeur’s wait for a first major title.

Gill said: “On Saturday Ons Jabeur suffered her second final defeat on a row, losing to Markéta Vondroušová in another captivating match, as Vondroušová became the first unseeded player to win the title. This one was clearer cut at the finish, as money had come for the experienced Jabeur, and we finished nicely ahead there.”

Elsewhere, in horseracing, Aidan O’Brien saw his latest superstar City Of Troy charge to victory in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

The two-year-old finished six-and-a-half lengths ahead of Haatem in second place after accelerating away from the pack at the halfway point. The 4/6 favourite showed exactly why that was the case and has now been shortened by bookies for upcoming meets.

Betfred’s Alan Firkins said: “Over at Newmarket another star was born. Aidan O’Brien’s two-year-old colt City Of Troy was devastating in the Superlative Stakes, well-backed, and is already 5/2 favourite for next season’s 2000 Guineas. He was awesome, there’s no other word for it.”

Firkins also detailed the weekend’s darts action at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

Defending champion Michal van Gerwen was dumped out of the competition after losing 10-7 to Brendan Dolan by the seaside.

The Dutchman’s exit, coupled with solid performances from world number one Michael Smith and number four Gerwyn Price, has set tongues wagging.

Firkins said: “In Blackpool, Michael van Gerwen was sensationally dumped out of this year’s Betfred World Matchplay by Brendan Dolan, as the favourite and defending champion was dethroned 10-7.

“The action continues from Monday night and the betting has been shaken up to say the least, in the chase for the Phil Taylor Trophy – it’s now 11/4 Gerwyn Price, 9/2 Michael Smith, 11/2 Luke Humphries, 11/1 Dirk Van Duijvenbode, 12s Gary Anderson and 14s bar.”

Finally, in Scotland, at golf’s Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy pulled out back-to-back birdies to snatch victory from local lad Robert MacIntyre.

The Northern Irishman recovered from a bogey-filled front nine to snatch victory from MacIntyre and net the £1.2m prize.

Bet365’s Freeth said: “Rory’s backers would’ve been nervous when he produced four bogeys over the front nine, he did touch 8/1 in-play on the final day, but he kept his nerve with back-to-back birdies, much to the frustration of Robert MacIntyre who was sitting in the clubhouse.

“The 90/1 pre-tournament pick didn’t go unbacked either and while his supporters will be frustrated at not collecting on the win part, each-way backers were rewarded with a decent place return,” he added.