Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and two-time defending Wimbledon champion, continues to dazzle at the 2025 Championships, powering into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev. His 22-match winning streak, spanning triumphs at Rome, Roland Garros, and Queen’s, has solidified his status as a favorite to lift the trophy again. However, it’s his forehand that has sparked fervent discussion, with Australian tennis legend Pat Cash declaring it a shot so extraordinary that only one other player in history—Roger Federer—has matched its brilliance. “The forehand Carlos hits, the way he generates that whip-like spin and power, it’s something I’ve only ever seen Roger do,” Cash said on a recent BBC broadcast. “It’s a rare combination of technique and instinct that sets him apart.”
Alcaraz’s forehand, a blend of blistering pace and heavy topspin, was on full display against Rublev, where he unleashed 38 winners, many from that wing, to rally from a set down. The shot’s versatility—capable of flattening out for winners or looping high for defensive play—has been a cornerstone of his success on grass. “Andrey is one of the most powerful players, if not the most powerful, on tour,” Alcaraz said post-match. “Playing him pushes you to the limit on every ball. You’re running side to side, which makes it really tough to face him. I’m really happy with how I moved today. I think I played smart and tactically, a really good match I’m proud of.” His ability to dictate points with his forehand, often finishing with pinpoint accuracy, left the Centre Court crowd in awe.
Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, elaborated on what makes Alcaraz’s forehand unique. “It’s not just the speed; it’s the way he manipulates the ball’s trajectory,” Cash noted. “He can hit a forehand that looks like it’s going one way, then it dips or kicks at the last second. Federer had that same ability to disguise his intentions.” This rare skill was evident in Alcaraz’s third-round win over Frances Tiafoe, where he saved three set points in a tiebreak and clinched the match with a forehand winner down the line. At just 22, Alcaraz is the youngest player in the Open Era to reach 12 Grand Slam men’s singles quarterfinals, surpassing icons like Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal.
As Alcaraz prepares to face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals on July 8, 2025, his forehand will be a key weapon. Norrie, who battled past Nicolás Jarry in a five-set epic, is a gritty competitor. “Playing Cam is always tough,” Alcaraz said. “I saw him practicing morning and night at Queen’s every day after he got knocked out. He’s focused on playing great tennis. I’m not surprised at how well he’s playing at Wimbledon.” The two have met six times, with Alcaraz leading 4-2, though this will be their first grass-court clash. Norrie’s resilience, saving all eight break points against Jarry, makes him a formidable foe, but Alcaraz’s forehand could tip the scales.
Alcaraz’s love for Wimbledon shines through in his words: “Being at Wimbledon is so special. Every time I step on this amazing court is a gift, so I’ll try to make the most of the time I spend here.” His playful side emerged when addressing rumors of a golf match with Andy Murray: “I don’t remember playing yesterday,” he laughed, endearing himself further to fans. With a 33-3 grass-court record and 17 consecutive wins on the surface, Alcaraz is chasing history, aiming to join Bjorn Borg as one of the few to win the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double two years running in the Open Era.
The Spaniard’s forehand, likened by Cash to Federer’s, is more than a shot—it’s a statement of intent. “It’s just about believing in yourself, no matter if you’re a set down,” Alcaraz said. “Tennis is a sport that can change on one point. You have to stay there, be mentally tough.” As he faces Norrie with the British crowd in full voice, Alcaraz’s ability to unleash that whip-like forehand could propel him closer to a third straight Wimbledon title, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.
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