LONDON — With Wimbledon commencing on Monday, Carlos Alcaraz is set to showcase his prowess on grass, a surface he’s grown to command despite having only started playing on it six years ago. At just 22, the Spanish sensation will open this year’s tournament on Centre Court against Fabio Fognini, an honor traditionally given to the previous year’s male champion.
Alcaraz’s quest at Wimbledon is aimed at securing a third consecutive championship — an achievement only accomplished by four iconic figures in the Open era: Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. With a pristine record of five wins in Grand Slam finals including triumphs at the French and U.S. Opens, Alcaraz has already proven himself across all surfaces: grass, clay, and hard courts.
There is a distinct fondness Alcaraz holds for the grass-court game. He describes it as a delightful spectacle, with its unique movement and exciting style that enable him to flaunt his comprehensive skill set. Alcaraz approaches the game with remarkable creativity and joy, delighting in executing varied play strategies like slices and drop shots, and admits finding entertainment in arena replays of his finest plays.
“There’s something magical about grass,” Alcaraz remarked, basking in the recent victory that saw him extend a career-best 18-match winning streak, clinching a title at Queen’s Club. He indulges the unique movement and the need for aggressive play, which aligns with his game temperament.
Day 1 of Wimbledon will also feature notable matches from other Grand Slam champions. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will face a newcomer, Carson Branstine, while Madison Keys, the Australian Open champ from January, will take on Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Additionally, former Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova and U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev are scheduled to compete.
Among those with a keen eye on Alcaraz’s journey is Novak Djokovic, who lavished praise on him after last year’s Wimbledon final, acknowledging Alcaraz’s superior performance in multiple facets of the game. Djokovic recognized Alcaraz’s impeccable ball striking and movement, making Alcaraz a captivating competitor. Djokovic himself has claimed seven Wimbledon titles, although Alcaraz has succeeded him as champion in the past two years.
While the significance of joining the ranks of tennis legends with a third consecutive Wimbledon title might inspire many, Alcaraz remains focused on the immediate challenge. “Lifting the trophy is my goal,” Alcaraz stated, adding that considerations of historical standings hold little sway over him at the moment.