As the Wimbledon Championships heat up in 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s No. 2 tennis star and two-time defending champion, finds himself in the spotlight both on and off the court. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off a hard-fought victory against Andrey Rublev in the fourth round, is preparing for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Britain’s Cameron Norrie on July 8. But before stepping onto Centre Court, Alcaraz received an unexpected challenge from an unlikely source—Hollywood star Tom Holland, best known for swinging through the skies as Spider-Man. The actor, a passionate sports enthusiast, proposed a friendly golf match, sparking a moment of levity amid the intense tournament atmosphere.
The encounter took place during Alcaraz’s practice session on Court 16, a quieter corner of the All England Club, where he was joined by American quarter-finalist Ben Shelton to prepare for facing the left-handed Norrie. As Alcaraz honed his game, Holland, who had been spotted earlier at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, appeared courtside, eager to connect with the tennis phenom. Their conversation, captured by Wimbledon’s social media, revealed a shared passion for golf. “Tom, I saw you playing golf as well, good swing,” Alcaraz said with a grin, prompting an enthusiastic response from Holland: “We should play!” Alcaraz, ever the competitor, didn’t hesitate, replying, “For sure,” setting the stage for a potential off-court showdown. “Yes, yes, we can play whenever you want. Message me and we’ll play,” Holland added, cementing the playful challenge before they parted ways.
Alcaraz’s love for golf is no secret. Throughout Wimbledon, he has been hitting the links with none other than Andy Murray, the recently retired British tennis legend. Their friendly matches have become a talking point, with Murray cheekily claiming victory in a deciding match. “It’s true he beat me,” Alcaraz admitted with a laugh, adding, “But golf is a sport that is really helpful for me to switch off my mind. I’m trying to play as much golf as I can on my days off.” After losing to Murray, Alcaraz jokingly vowed to steer clear of future matches with the Scot, saying, “I lost against him as a player, as a coach, on the golf course, so I’m not going to play against him anymore.” Now, with Holland’s challenge in the mix, Alcaraz’s golfing adventures are adding a new dimension to his Wimbledon journey.
On the court, Alcaraz is a force to be reckoned with. His 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Rublev showcased his resilience, as he battled back from a set down to extend his 22-match winning streak, the longest of his career. “Andrey is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, player on tour,” Alcaraz said post-match. “To face him is, he is pushing you to the limit in every ball. Makes it really difficult to face him, but really happy with the way I played today—intelligent, smart, tactically well against him, which I’m really proud about.” His ability to adapt and elevate his game under pressure has made him the favorite to claim a third consecutive Wimbledon title, a feat achieved by only four men in the Open era.
The upcoming match against Norrie promises to be a grueling test. The 29-year-old Brit, ranked No. 61, has rediscovered his form after a challenging period, including a forearm injury that saw his ranking plummet. His five-set victory over Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry, a 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(7), 6-7(5), 6-3 marathon, marked his return to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time since 2022. “Facing Cam is always really, really difficult,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “We have really difficult battles already. Facing him is almost a nightmare, to be honest. Really tough from the baseline.” He noted Norrie’s relentless preparation, having observed him practicing tirelessly after an early exit at Queen’s Club. “When he lost at Queen’s, he stayed for five days practicing morning, afternoon, and night. I saw him. So I’m not surprised at all seeing his level.”
Norrie, known for his dogged determination, is embracing the challenge. “I’m just taking care of my business and really enjoying my tennis at the moment,” he said after his win over Jarry. The Brit, who holds a 2-4 record against Alcaraz, including wins in Cincinnati and Rio de Janeiro, is banking on his grass-court comfort and the support of the home crowd to push the Spaniard to the limit. Alcaraz, however, remains unfazed by the prospect of a hostile crowd, stating, “I have got to be really focused and not thinking about the support.”
As Alcaraz prepares for this high-stakes encounter, the buzz around his off-court antics with Holland and Murray adds a layer of charm to his campaign. Whether he’s trading volleys on the court or planning a golf outing with Spider-Man, Alcaraz’s charisma and versatility continue to captivate fans. With a semi-final berth on the line and a potential golf match in the future, the young Spaniard is proving he’s a champion in every sense, ready to tackle any challenge—be it Norrie’s baseline tenacity or Holland’s swing.
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