New Delhi: The two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz will step onto Centre Court on Monday to begin his title defence against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini as he is eyeing a historic third consecutive crown at the All England Club.
At 22, Alcaraz is bidding to join an elite group that includes Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic as the only men to win at least three Wimbledon titles in a row during the Open Era. It’s a pursuit that speaks to his growing stature in the sport but the Spaniard insists his focus is firmly on the task at hand.
During his pre-tournament press conference Alcaraz shared, “I really want to lift the trophy again, but I’m not thinking about who has won three in a row. I’m just focused on preparing well, playing my best, and taking it match by match.”
This mindset will serve him well in a season where he has looked nearly unstoppable. French Open champion arrives in London riding high on an 18-match winning streak, the longest of his career, which includes claiming his second straight Queen’s Club title last week.
The Spaniard’s triumph at Queen’s was yet another reminder of how quickly he adapts from clay to grass, a transition that has humbled even the greatest champions over the years.
Fresh from winning his second straight French Open title, where he battled back from two sets down to beat World No.1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final, Alcaraz’s momentum is undeniable. That victory added a fifth Grand Slam trophy to his growing collection and reinforced his reputation as the most in-form player on tour.
“I think the key is playing without fear,” Alcaraz said. “Right now, I’m showing my best level and enjoying the game, and that’s when I play my best tennis.”
Aiming for another Channel Slam
There’s a unique challenge in shifting from the slow, grinding clay courts of Paris to the slick grass at SW19 in just three weeks. Yet Alcaraz has already joined a rare club of players who have won the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double in the same year, a feat only Rod Laver, Borg, Rafael Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic have achieved in the Open Era.
But if he manages to win the trophy this year again in London, he would join Borg as the only man to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double in consecutive years, underscoring the historic significance of this campaign.
Alcaraz’s record at Wimbledon speaks for itself, as since his debut at the tournament, he has quickly established himself as a force on grass, boasting an 18-2 record at the event and demonstrating his growing confidence on the surface each year. His back-to-back victories against Djokovic in the last two finals further cemented his belief and established him as the man to beat on grass.
Ready for new challenge
The path to a third consecutive title in a row won’t be easy as Wimbledon’s two-week grind demands consistency, mental strength and the ability to adapt to conditions and opponents match after match. Alcaraz understands this well and remains committed to staying in the moment.
Alcaraz said, “Two weeks can be really long in a Grand Slam. It’s about taking care of each match, each practice, and making sure I’m ready.”
For tennis fans, his return to Centre Court promises high drama, explosive shot-making, and the possibility of witnessing history unfold. As the Spaniard begins his pursuit of a Wimbledon three-peat, the spotlight will shine brightly on him but if the past few months are any indication, Alcaraz looks ready for the moment.
His journey over the next fortnight will not only test his skill and resilience but could also see him join the legends of the game in completing one of the sport’s toughest doubles and, in doing so, cement his place in Wimbledon’s rich history.