On a rare sunny afternoon at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, took a well-deserved break from the grass courts of the All England Club. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals, was spotted in high spirits, joking and laughing with his team during a relaxed rest day. The world No. 2, who has not lost a match at Wimbledon since 2022, used the downtime to recharge, showcasing the charisma and ease that have made him a fan favorite, while keeping his focus firmly on his quest for a third consecutive Wimbledon title.
Alcaraz’s rest day came at a pivotal moment in the tournament, following a performance that underlined why he is considered the man to beat. Against Norrie, he delivered a masterclass, blending explosive groundstrokes, deft net play, and a revitalized serve that has become a cornerstone of his grass-court dominance. “When you’re serving great, you’re playing from the baseline and playing the return games with more confidence,” Alcaraz said after the match, reflecting on how his improved serve—honed after a disappointing start to the tournament—has given him a mental edge. His serve statistics were impeccable, landing 72% of first serves and winning 89% of those points, a stark contrast to his early-round struggles where he lost five service games against Fabio Fognini in a grueling five-setter.
The rest day provided a glimpse into Alcaraz’s ability to balance intense focus with a playful demeanor. Sources close to the team described him sharing lighthearted banter with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and his brother Álvaro, who has been a constant presence in his player’s box. The group was seen enjoying a casual lunch in London, with Alcaraz reportedly teasing his team about their golf swings, a nod to his own off-day hobby of hitting the fairways to stay loose. “He’s playing great,” Alcaraz said of his upcoming opponent, Taylor Fritz, acknowledging the American’s grass-court prowess while maintaining his trademark confidence. This relaxed mindset, coupled with his relentless work ethic, has been a hallmark of his 23-match winning streak, which includes titles at Rome, Roland Garros, and Queen’s Club earlier this year.
Alcaraz’s journey to the Wimbledon semifinals has been anything but straightforward. The tournament began with a scare against Fognini, where he battled through a nearly five-hour match in swelteringly hot conditions. “Playing in such high heat is really difficult to deal with,” he admitted, noting the challenge of long rallies under a blazing 91°F sun. His compassion shone through when he paused the match to provide water to a fan who fell ill, a gesture that went viral after he responded to the fan’s daughter on social media with, “You’re very welcome, it was nothing! I hope your mum is doing well. Send her a kiss from me and take good care of her!” This act of kindness, coupled with his on-court heroics, has only deepened his connection with fans.
As Alcaraz prepares to face No. 5 seed Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, the stakes are high. Fritz, who battled through a tough 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) win over Karen Khachanov, is riding his own wave of confidence, having reached his first Wimbledon semifinal. “The grass really works for him,” Alcaraz noted, recognizing Fritz’s powerful serve and aggressive style. Yet, Alcaraz’s grass-court record—31 wins and just three losses—makes him a formidable opponent. His ability to flip points in the “negative spaces,” as he calls them, where he uses his speed and touch to turn defense into offense, has been particularly devastating on grass. In last year’s final against Novak Djokovic, he stole 39% of points when his opponent was on the attack, a statistic that underscores his unique ability to shift momentum.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s rest day also reflected his growing comfort in the spotlight. Unlike his “no expectations” mindset when he arrived in London for Queen’s, where he claimed his fourth grass-court title, he now embraces the pressure of being the favorite. “I always said that it’s just about belief in yourself,” he remarked after his win over Andrey Rublev in the fourth round, where he battled back from a set down to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. That belief, combined with his infectious enthusiasm—evident in his playful interactions with his team—has propelled him to a career-best 90% win rate in 2025, with 45 victories and only five losses.
As Wimbledon heads into its final days, Alcaraz’s blend of talent, heart, and humor sets the stage for a thrilling semifinal. Whether he’s sprinting across the court for a jaw-dropping forehand winner or joking with his team about their golf game, the Spaniard continues to captivate. With a potential blockbuster final against top seed Jannik Sinner looming, reminiscent of their epic five-hour, 29-minute Roland Garros clash, Alcaraz’s rest day antics are a reminder that he thrives when he’s enjoying the moment. As he put it, “I could enjoy the match a bit more. I hit great shots, moved well. I played a good match.” For Alcaraz, the grass courts of Wimbledon remain a canvas for both his brilliance and his joy.
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