London - All eyes are on Carlos Alcaraz as he begins his quest for a third consecutive Wimbledon title. The defending champion is looking to etch his name in the history books, aiming to become only the fifth man in the Open Era to achieve this remarkable feat.
Fresh off his Roland Garros victory, the 22-year-old Spaniard arrives at the All England Club with a game and persona that captivates audiences worldwide. From his delicate drop shots to his fearless play, Alcaraz consistently delivers moments of brilliance on the court. His sportsmanship, often applauding opponents and even conceding points, adds to his widespread appeal. In an era dominated by fleeting attention, Alcaraz offers a captivating presence.
The contrast between Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is striking. While the Italian relies on meticulous precision and calculated strategy, Alcaraz embodies instinct and flair. His unpredictable style keeps opponents guessing, and his passion for the game shines through effortlessly.
Alcaraz, the second seed, was seen practicing at Aorangi Park, radiating focus and determination. He is currently on a 19-match winning streak and hopes to extend this record. His opening match will be against veteran Italian player Fabio Fognini on Centre Court, in what is predicted to be the hottest opening day in the tournament's history, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius.
Interestingly, the former teenage world No. 1 only began playing on grass in 2019. Despite his relative inexperience on the surface, he has quickly become a formidable force.
Alcaraz expressed his appreciation for grass court tennis: “The most beautiful tennis is (played) on grass. The style that players bring to the court when they play on grass, is so beautiful. The sound of the ball, the movement is really tough, but when you get it, it’s kind of like you’re flying. It’s just pretty, I want to hit slices, dropshots, go to the net all the time, play aggressively. I think on grass it’s the style that you have to play. That’s what I like the most.”
His record on grass speaks for itself, with 29 wins out of 32 Tour-level matches. Alcaraz hopes to continue this success at Wimbledon, aiming for another historic victory. When asked about his mindset on the court, he stated: “When I’m playing without thinking about anything else, I get the freedom to play whatever I like. When that happens, I always show my best tennis.”
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