Grace in Losing and Winning at Wimbledon

Analyzing Wimbledon’s Speeches

In the high-stakes world of professional sports, maintaining grace in victory and defeat is critical not only for an athlete’s personal brand but also as a model for all audiences and for representing the sport well. Novak Djokovic, despite his numerous titles, faced a formidable challenge in staying composed after his second consecutive loss to rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

Tennis fans enjoyed a great competition during and after the match:

Photo Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Losing with Grace: Novak Djokovic, Serbia

• Gracious remarks:

  • “Obviously not the result I wanted, especially in the first couple of sets. I wasn’t up to par but credit to Carlos. I tried to push him and save the three match points to extend the match a little bit longer. But he was the deserved winner today.”

• Hot Humor

  • The Mirror: Annabel Croft left red-faced after 'hot' comment to Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz

    • Croft started her interview by saying: “Novak, I know this is not the result you wanted. But you were up against such a hot and talented player in Carlos Alcaraz.”

    • “That’s what I was about to say, he was definitely very hot today!” Djokovic quipped.

• Puts it all in perspective

  • "Thank you for bringing the smile to my face every single day."

Winning with Grace: Carlos Alcaraz, Spain

• After the win he hops into the stands, and on the way to see his team and family, he shakes hands with the tv announcers and Djokovic’s coaches before a team group hug.

• Kind words for his opponent

  • “I’m so nervous in this speech and I forgot to have some words for Novak and his team. It’s been a difficult few weeks for you. You had surgery after the French Open and you didn’t know if you could make the tournament and you made the final. It is something difficult to realise that you played points and matches just two weeks after your surgery. Great job and keep going.”