Carlos Alcaraz has admitted he was fearful of suffering the same fate as Roger Federer during Sunday's dramatic Wimbledon final win over Novak Djokovic.
Back in 2019, Federer went up against the Serb at the All England Club with that match going to a fifth set as well.
The Swiss maestro appeared to be in pole position to win the trophy after breaking in game 15 of the decider.
He even built a 40-15 lead, only for Djokovic to save two match points and proceed to win the trophy instead.
Roger Federer lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon final
PA
And Alcaraz has revealed he feared a repeat during his own epic clash with Djokovic, with Federer flashbacks going through his mind.
“I was trying to be calm and serene," he told the ATP Tour official website.
“Keeping my mind blank. When I got up, I felt butterflies in my stomach and my legs. It’s difficult to handle.
“I thought about getting the first serve in and… I was thinking in my head that it was normal to feel nervous closing out the match.”
He added: “I’ve watched a lot of tennis.
"For someone like Federer to lose that final… I think that’s so tough.
"I told myself: ‘Please, don’t let that happen to you. Do whatever it takes.’
"But I did think about it at that moment.”
Alcaraz also revealed his mind was 'blank' in the immediate aftermath of his win over Djokovic, with the youngster 'going through the motions'.
“Probably the best moment was after winning," he stated.
“When it was over, I wasn’t thinking, my mind was blank, I simply went through the motions: I threw myself to the ground and just wanted to hug my team, celebrate it with my people.
“My mind didn’t say ‘Wow, I’ve won Wimbledon, I’ve achieved my dream.
"It was simply a question of going through the motions.”
Alcaraz isn't expected to slow down now.
Prior to Wimbledon he'd won the US Open, getting the better of Casper Ruud back in September.
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Fast-forward to now and he appears to be on the brink of something special.
Djokovic had been the overwhelming favourite prior to the Wimbledon final, particularly given how he'd previously won there four times in a row and on seven occasions in total.
But Alcaraz's victory, so soon after achieving glory in the US Open, has sent out a statement.
Djokovic spoke out after missing out on the prize on Sunday.
And he agreed with suggestions that Alcaraz was a blend of himself, Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz is on top of the world after Novak Djokovic Wimbledon triumph
PA
"I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that. I think he's got basically the best of all three worlds," he said.
"He's got this mental resilience and real maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It's quite impressive.
"He's got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defence that we've seen with Rafa over the years."
He added: "I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest.
"Roger and Rafa have their own strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces."
