On the pristine grass of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, where legends are born and records are shattered, Carlos Alcaraz continues to carve his name into tennis history. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a two-time defending champion at the All England Club, delivered a performance in his fourth-round clash against Andrey Rublev on July 6, 2025, that left spectators and analysts in awe. His forehand, a weapon of devastating precision and power, drew extraordinary praise from 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, who declared it a shot so unique it places Alcaraz among an elite few in the sport’s storied past. “Very few players hit with a straight arm at contact,” Cash marveled, likening Alcaraz’s technique to a rare artistry seen only in players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Juan Martin del Potro, and Fernando Verdasco.
Alcaraz’s journey through Wimbledon 2025 has been anything but straightforward. The world No. 2, chasing a third consecutive title at SW19, dropped the opening set to Rublev in a tightly contested tiebreak, 6-7(5-7). But the young star’s resilience shone through as he battled back, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to secure his place in the quarter-finals against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The match was a testament to Alcaraz’s mental fortitude, as he reflected post-match: “I always say it’s just about belief in yourself. It doesn’t matter that you are one set to love down. Tennis is a sport where it can change in just one point.” His ability to turn the tide was epitomized by a breathtaking forehand passing shot on the run at a critical 3-3, 30/40 moment in the third set, a shot that left Rublev helpless and the crowd roaring.
What makes Alcaraz’s forehand so extraordinary, according to Cash, is its rare straight-arm technique. “You get more power out of it, but it is really impossible to do,” he explained. “99.9% of tour players hit it with a bent elbow, but for some reason, he is able to do that.” Cash went further, asserting that only del Potro shares Alcaraz’s ability to maintain consistency with this technique, noting, “Most of those players, I would say probably only del Potro and Alcaraz haven’t had their patches in their forehand when it goes off.” Unlike Federer, whose forehand occasionally faltered in off moments, Alcaraz’s shot remains a reliable weapon, capable of producing winners from any position on the court. “He can produce winners and power from anywhere if he connects perfectly,” Cash said, highlighting a skill he believes is “special to them.”
Alcaraz’s forehand is not just a technical marvel; it’s a strategic cornerstone of his game. His aggressive baseline style, which generates both a high number of winners and unforced errors, is amplified by this shot’s versatility. He can hit it flat and fast for outright winners or loop it with heavy topspin to push opponents deep, creating opportunities for his signature drop shots—described by Andy Roddick as “the best in the history of tennis.” This adaptability has made Alcaraz a force on all surfaces, with five Grand Slam titles already to his name: two at Wimbledon, two at Roland Garros, and one at the US Open. His 24-3 win-loss record on grass, an 89% success rate, places him among the all-time greats, surpassing even Federer’s career grass-court win percentage.
The match against Rublev showcased Alcaraz’s broader skill set. He won 82% of his first-serve points and outhit Rublev with 41 winners to 29, a remarkable feat against one of the tour’s most powerful players. “Andrey is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful player that we have on Tour,” Alcaraz said. “With how aggressive he is to the ball, with that forehand, with those shots, it’s really difficult.” Yet, Alcaraz’s tactical intelligence and movement allowed him to neutralize Rublev’s aggression, turning defense into offense with his explosive forehand. “I think I played intelligently and smart today against him,” he added, proud of his ability to dictate play.[](https://www.atptour.com/en/news/alcaraz-rublev-wimbledon-2025-sunday)
Cash’s praise extends beyond technique to Alcaraz’s overall grass-court dominance. Having won the Queen’s Club Championships in June 2025, Alcaraz arrived at Wimbledon as a favorite, despite early struggles against Fabio Fognini and Jan-Lennard Struff. His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments, as seen in his comeback against Rublev, underscores his mental strength. Cash, speaking on BBC 5 Live, called him “the clear favourite” for the title, a sentiment echoed by fans and analysts who see Alcaraz as a potential grass-court GOAT. His 2-0 record in Wimbledon finals against Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion, fuels this narrative.
As Alcaraz prepares for Norrie, Cash offered advice to the Brit: “He’s got to serve well. He mixes up the play well. He brings something different.” But stopping Alcaraz, with his forehand firing and his confidence soaring, is a tall order. With a potential semi-final looming and a chance to challenge Jannik Sinner’s No. 1 ranking later in the season, Alcaraz’s Wimbledon campaign is a showcase of a player at the peak of his powers. His forehand, a shot Cash deems historically unique, is not just a weapon—it’s a statement of intent from a player destined to redefine tennis greatness.
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