Wimbledon 2024 live updates: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in straight sets to defend his crown

So much had to go right for Djokovic to even get the chance to play Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, 39 days after undergoing surgery on the meniscus of his right knee. In the end, things might have gone too well when he tried to get himself back into shape.

Djokovic was lucky not only to draw a qualifier and a wildcard in the first two rounds, but also to see Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner land on the other side of the draw. He then played Alexei Popyrin, who had little Center Court experience, and an out-of-form Holger Rune.

His next opponent presented what looked to be a formidable test: Alex de Minaur, also an Australian, a grass lover and, most importantly, a top-10 player with the wheels and engine running all day. De Minaur even showed some newfound strength to stay with Djokovic as he goes through the gears.

But De Minaur tore his hip cartilage and withdrew, giving Djokovic more rest before playing Alcaraz, five steps up in toughness. By the time he raised his level to where it needed to be to stay with Alcaraz, Djokovic was two sets behind.

So much different. Too different. Everything had gone well, while all he needed was some setback on the field to be ready for this ultimate test.