Welcome to news.com.au’s live coverage of the Wimbledon men’s singles final.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to lock horns in one of the most anticipated Grand Slam showdowns in recent memory.
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The world number one Alcaraz has a chance to capture his second Slam crown while Djokovic can equal Margaret Court’s all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam titles.
A win on the grass courts would give him his third straight Slam crown and put him a US Open title away from a fabled calendar Grand Slam, a feat not achieved in men’s tennis since 1969.
Djokovic can also match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon victories, a record many thought was previously untouchable.
Alcaraz, 20, will become the third youngest Wimbledon champion if he reigns supreme, slotting in behind Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg.
The final is set to get underway at 11pm (AEST) and can be watched on Channel 9 or 9Now.
10pm – Djoker on brink of equalling absurd feat
Novak Djokovic has moved clear of longtime rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with his slam tally in recent years, but the Serbian has a chance to deliver some more pain to the Swiss master Federer.
Federer was a dominant force on the grass courts at Wimbledon, claiming eight of his 20 Grand Slam crowns at the All England club.
He was labelled the “King of Grass”, but with a victory Djokovic will equal the mark and remove the last of Federer’s crowns.
9.30pm – ‘Ultimate showdown’ set to erupt
Djokovic and Alcaraz are preparing for all out war when the final gets underway with the sporting world set to watch on.
“It’s the ultimate showdown,” said Djokovic, who will be playing in a record 35th Grand Slam final.
“Everything comes down to one match. All eyes of the sports world will be directed on this Wimbledon final. It’s probably the most watched tennis match globally.”
At 20, Alcaraz is Djokovic’s junior by 16 years.
When Djokovic captured the first of his 23 majors at the 2008 Australian Open, the Spaniard was still three months shy of his fifth birthday.
“I obviously have more experience. It can help a little bit in some important moments, beginning the match, managing the nerves, managing the occasion, circumstances,” said Djokovic.
“But it’s not going to be the deciding factor really. Whoever, on a given day, is in a better state, mentally and physically, will be the winner.”
It will be Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon final in just his fourth grass-court event.
Djokovic is in his ninth championship match at the All England Club.
The Serb has won 34 successive matches at the tournament and has not been beaten on Centre Court since losing the 2013 final to Andy Murray.
“He’s in great shape,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz. “He’s very motivated. He’s young. He’s hungry. I’m hungry, too, so let’s have a feast.”
– AFP