 Rafael Nadal has congratulated Carlos Alcaraz after he beat Novak Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final to win his second Grand Slam title. The Spanish 20-year-old recovered from a nervy start to win 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 against the four-time defending champion. Djokovic, 36, was bidding to win his eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th major – both record-equalling feats. But Alcaraz emerged triumphant on Centre Court, becoming the third youngest man to win at Wimbledon after Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg. 'Congratulations Carlos! You have given us immense joy today,' 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal posted on social media. 'For sure our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is as a member of Wimbledon whom you have joined today. 'A very strong hug and enjoy the moment, Champion! We're having a great time with our team!' Djokovic was on course to storm to yet another major when he won a one-sided opening set 6-1, but Alcaraz fought back to level through a crucial tie-break. The reigning US Open champion dominated the third set against a tiring Djokovic but the Serb found his energy to send the final into a fifth set. Alcaraz secured an early break in the fifth and served out for the championship in just his fourth grass-court tournament. 'It is a dream come true for me,' he said. 'Even if I lost, I would have been proud of myself. 'To be able to play in these stages of these occasions – as a boy of 20 years old – is really fast. I'm really proud of myself.' MORE : Novak Djokovic labelled a 'villain' by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Rafael Nadal has congratulated Carlos Alcaraz after he beat Novak Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final to win his second Grand Slam title.
The Spanish 20-year-old recovered from a nervy start to win 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 against the four-time defending champion.
Djokovic, 36, was bidding to win his eighth Wimbledon title and a 24th major – both record-equalling feats.
But Alcaraz emerged triumphant on Centre Court, becoming the third youngest man to win at Wimbledon after Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg.