Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: 3 deciding factors ahead of Wimbledon 2023 final

#3 Better First Serve Rating

First serves are crucial, especially in big matches. A 30-40% slower second serve is more likely to be returned well. If it is in the slot for a down-the-line return, the server stands a chance to lose the point.

Data shows how important first serves are and an impressive first serve rating usually translates to a win. ATP has its own 'First-Serve Rating: Grading Scale' that helps analyze a player's first serve performance in a game or a tournament.

Here's how it is ranked:

First-Serve Rating	Grade
60+	A++
55 - 59	A+
50 - 54	A
45 - 49	B+
40 - 44	B
35 - 39	C
30 - 34	D
30 & below	F

In Wimbledon 2023, Alcaraz and Djokovic have an impressive 78% and 84% first serve win percentage respectively. More importantly, the percentage of successful first serves for them is 63% and 64% respectively.

Let us calculate their first-serve rating (as prescribed by ATP)

Carlos Alcaraz

• First Serves Made = 63%

• First Serves Won = 78%

• First-Serve Rating: 63 (made) x 0.78 (won) = 49.14 (B+ grade)

Novak Djokovic

• First Serves Made = 64%

• First Serves Won = 84%

• First-Serve Rating: 64 (made) x 0.84 (won) = 53.76 (A grade)

Djokovic leads the two in first serve efficacy with an impressive A grade but Alcaraz is not far behind in terms of the rating. It could make the difference when they lock horns on Sunday.