Carlos Alcaraz surpasses Wimbledon legend with immense achievement after second round win

On a sun-soaked Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass that not only secured his place in the third round but also etched his name into tennis history. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a two-time defending champion, dispatched British qualifier Oliver Tarvet 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in a commanding two-hour, 17-minute display. This victory, a stark contrast to his grueling five-set opener against Fabio Fognini, marked his 20th consecutive win at Wimbledon, making him the youngest ATP player to achieve such a streak since Juan Martin del Potro in 2008. More remarkably, Alcaraz surpassed a legendary record held by Björn Borg, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era—at 22 years and 56 days—to amass a 30-match win streak across Wimbledon and the French Open combined, eclipsing Borg’s mark set at 22 years and 356 days.

Alcaraz’s second-round performance was a testament to his grass-court dominance. Facing the 21-year-old Tarvet, ranked No. 733 and fresh off a stunning first-round upset, Alcaraz broke his opponent six times—twice in each set—showcasing his relentless baseline aggression and improved serve. “I knew at the beginning I had to be really focused, had to play my best tennis,” Alcaraz said post-match, his voice radiating confidence. “Today I played just great tennis and I am really happy with my game today.” His praise for Tarvet was equally gracious: “I have to give praise to Oliver, his second match on the Tour. I just love his game to be honest. The level he played in the first match on Centre Court, which I know is really difficult, he showed great tennis.” The Spaniard’s ability to adapt after a shaky first round, where he admitted to struggling with his serve, underscored his growth. “I think here in Wimbledon, I’m struggling a little bit with the serve,” he noted. “Today I felt a bit better. But a lot can’t improve without the serve.”

This milestone victory extends Alcaraz’s extraordinary run. With a 30-3 grass-court record, he boasts a 90.9% win rate, the highest in the Open Era among players with at least 20 grass matches. His 30-match streak across Wimbledon and Roland Garros, where he also won titles in 2024 and 2025, places him among an elite group, including Rod Laver, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, who achieved the French Open-Wimbledon double in a single season. “I found the right way to try and enjoy after every match,” Alcaraz revealed, crediting his mindset for his success. “When I step on the court I am just trying to enjoy. It doesn’t matter if I am winning or losing. I think that was the key the last two or three months.” This approach has fueled his 28-1 run since March, with his only loss to Holger Rune in Barcelona.

The significance of Alcaraz’s achievement resonates beyond the numbers. Borg, a five-time Wimbledon champion, set a benchmark of consistency that few have matched. Alcaraz’s feat, accomplished in fewer matches than Nadal, Federer, or Djokovic took to reach 30 grass wins, signals his rapid ascent. “I sincerely believe that, under normal conditions, very few opponents have the ability to trouble Carlos,” said Toni Nadal, Rafael’s former coach, highlighting Alcaraz’s grass-court prowess. His 9-0 record against younger players further cements his dominance, as does his 15-1 five-set Grand Slam record, rivaling the Big Four’s storied careers.

Alcaraz’s path to a third consecutive Wimbledon title, a feat achieved by only four men in the Open Era—Borg, Pete Sampras, Federer, and Djokovic—appears increasingly clear. The early exits of 23 seeded players, including top names like Alexander Zverev, have opened the draw. “It’s kind of shocking,” Alcaraz said of the upsets, emphasizing his focus: “I just try to be more focused, even more focused on the tournament.” His next opponent, either Frances Tiafoe or Borna Coric, awaits in the third round, but Alcaraz’s grass-court mastery—marked by his speed, touch, and relentless forehand—makes him the man to beat. “I’m trying to make the most of my time here at Wimbledon, playing in this beautiful atmosphere,” he said. “Let’s see how far I go.” With the tennis world watching, Alcaraz’s pursuit of history at SW19 is a thrilling saga unfolding with every swing.

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