Two brothers from Fairlie couldn't believe their luck when they were successful in a Wimbledon ballot to gain 'gold dust' tickets for Sunday's Gents Final, which saw Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz finally dethrone Novak Djokovic.
Tennis fans Lewis and Alex McAulay applied for tickets and headed down to London on Sunday. They were joined by their respective partners Ashley Hewitt and Gael Morrow for the big match which made headlines around the world.
Carlos Alcaraz was crowned the new king of Wimbledon after downing Novak Djokovic on Centre Court at SW19 in one of the great grand slam finals, to claim a 1-6 7-6 (6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 victory after four hours and 42 minutes, finally landing a telling blow for the young guns against the man 16 years his senior.
Alcaraz slumped to the court after Djokovic’s final forehand slammed into the net in the dramatic finale.
The Spanish sensation has done it 🇪🇸@carlosalcaraz triumphs over Novak Djokovic, 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in an all-time classic#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/sPGLXr2k99
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2023
The defeat prevented Djokovic tying Roger Federer with an eighth Wimbledon title, while it also ended his chances of winning the calendar Grand Slam this year.
Both Lewis and Alex are big tennis enthusiasts, and were thrilled to get the hottest ticket in town.
Along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte and King Felipe VI of Spain, Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig were in attendance while, among the tennis ranks, sat in the stands with new men’s doubles champion Neal Skupski, was Andy Murray.
Lewis said: "It was a brilliant final, I thought after the first set that it wasn't going to be a very long final.
"We really couldn't have asked for a better day at Wimbledon."
Lewis is a member of West Kilbride Tennis Club, and has won the Gents Singles Championship at both Largs and West Kilbride Tennis Club. The family also run an annual tennis event for their family and friends every year in Largs.
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