LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz arrived in London with "no expectations" for Wimbledon, but after a dominant performance at Queen's Club, the young Spaniard has sent an ominous warning to his rivals. With just eight days until the Championships begin, Alcaraz is now the "red-hot favourite" to claim his third Wimbledon title.
The 21-year-old, who won his first Wimbledon crown in 2023 and defended it in 2024, has been in scintillating form on grass. His recent victory at the Cinch Championships—where he dropped just one set—has solidified his status as the man to beat. "I came here to get some matches, but winning the title gives me huge confidence," Alcaraz said after his triumph.
Alcaraz’s Grass-Court Mastery
Alcaraz’s adaptability across surfaces has been a hallmark of his meteoric rise. While clay and hard courts suit his explosive game, his recent adjustments on grass have been nothing short of remarkable. Key improvements include:
- Improved Serve: Alcaraz has added pace and precision, winning 85% of first-serve points at Queen’s.
- Net Play: His volleying has become more instinctive, a crucial asset on grass.
- Movement: He has refined his footwork to handle the low, skidding bounces.
Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker noted, "Carlos has figured out grass faster than anyone expected. His game is perfectly suited for it—power, touch, and now the right tactics."
The Field’s Uphill Battle
While Novak Djokovic remains a formidable contender, his recent knee surgery casts doubt on his readiness. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, has struggled with grass-court consistency, and Daniil Medvedev’s flat strokes are less effective on the surface. Alcaraz’s biggest threats may come from:
- Matteo Berrettini: A 2021 Wimbledon finalist with a booming serve.
- Hubert Hurkacz: His serve-and-volley style thrives on grass.
- Jack Draper: The British lefty is peaking at the right time.
However, none have shown Alcaraz’s all-court dominance. "He’s the complete package," said seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras. "When he’s on, there’s no clear weakness to exploit."
The Mental Edge
Alcaraz’s mental resilience sets him apart. At Queen’s, he saved break points in critical moments, showcasing his ability to elevate his game under pressure. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, emphasized, "Carlos thrives in big moments. He doesn’t fear anyone—he relishes the challenge."
Historical Context
If Alcaraz wins, he’ll join an elite group of players to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles in the Open Era—a feat achieved only by Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. His blend of youth and experience is unprecedented; at 21, he’s already a five-time Grand Slam champion.
Tennis analyst Mary Carillo observed, "What’s scary is he’s still improving. His net game is sharper, his serve is bigger, and he’s playing with the confidence of a veteran."
Conclusion: The Favorite’s Mantle
Alcaraz may have arrived in London with "no expectations," but his rivals certainly have them. His Queen’s Club performance was a statement—one that echoes across the ATP Tour. As Wimbledon approaches, the question isn’t whether Alcaraz is the favorite, but whether anyone can stop him.
As two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray put it, "Right now, Carlos is the guy. If he brings his A-game, it’s hard to see anyone beating him." The tennis world waits to see if Alcaraz can deliver on his red-hot favoritism.