At the heart of Wimbledon 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, continues to showcase why he’s a force to be reckoned with on grass. With a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals, the 22-year-old Spaniard secured his third consecutive semi-final appearance at the All England Club. Now just two matches away from achieving the prestigious “Channel Slam” (winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year) for the second straight year, Alcaraz remains laser-focused on tennis glory, brushing off calls for an Ibiza getaway in favor of a relaxing round of golf to recharge.
The win over Norrie, sealed in under two hours, was a masterclass in power and precision, featuring 13 aces and an impressive 49 out of 55 points won on first serve. Alcaraz, who faced tougher battles against Jan-Lennard Struff and Andrey Rublev in earlier rounds, hit his stride at the perfect moment. “I’m really happy to be able to play another semi-final here at Wimbledon, it’s really special,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview. “It’s something I wanted to do from the start of the week. I’m really pleased with the way I played today against a really tough opponent like Cam.” His performance dashed British hopes, with Norrie, the last home player standing in the men’s draw, unable to match the speed and versatility of the world No. 2.
Post-match, a fan’s shout of “Ibiza!” from the crowd referenced Alcaraz’s well-known holiday on the Balearic island after his Roland Garros triumph last month. Grinning, the Spaniard responded with five simple words: “No time, no time.” He later explained that he prefers to unwind with family and play golf to prepare for his next challenge. “I’m definitely going to play some golf, just to clear my mind a bit,” he added, highlighting how the sport helps him maintain mental balance during the tournament. His love for golf is no secret: Alcaraz has already faced off against former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, with whom he’s tied 1-1, and even challenged actor Tom Holland to a friendly match after spotting him at a practice session. “I saw that you play golf, nice shot,” Alcaraz told Holland, adding with enthusiasm, “It would be an honor for me to play against him. Let’s see if we can arrange something.”
Alcaraz’s Wimbledon journey has been marked by steady growth. Boasting a 34-3 record on grass, the young Spaniard is carving out a legendary legacy, inching closer to becoming the fifth man in the Open Era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles, following in the footsteps of icons like Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. His ability to turn a shaky first week into a ferocious second week has become a hallmark. “Playing another semi-final here at Wimbledon is really special,” he reiterated, with his sights set on a semi-final clash against Taylor Fritz, who earned his first Wimbledon semi-final with a 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) win over Karen Khachanov.
The “Carlos method,” as Norrie dubbed it, has inspired others on tour. Norrie himself followed Alcaraz’s lead by spending a few days in Ibiza before the tournament. Coco Gauff jokingly said she wants to know “exactly what he ate, what he drank, and what time he went to bed” to replicate his success, while Novak Djokovic quipped that “something definitely happens in Ibiza” to fuel Alcaraz’s wins. For now, though, Alcaraz has shelved the party island, opting for the calm of the golf course. His interaction with Holland, a tennis fan who attended the 2024 Indian Wells final, added a touch of star power to the tournament, showcasing how Wimbledon bridges sport and pop culture.
With a 23-match winning streak and an eighth Grand Slam semi-final at just 22, Alcaraz is on the cusp of history. His upcoming battle against Fritz, a tough opponent he’s faced before, promises fireworks. “I’ve played him a couple of times, and it’s always tough,” Alcaraz said, vowing to bring the same level he showed against Norrie. As the tennis world watches in awe, Alcaraz continues to shine, balancing the pressure of stardom with his vibrant personality and passion for golf, all while chasing another chapter of Wimbledon glory.
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