As Wimbledon 2025 unfolds under the vibrant London sun, Carlos Alcaraz continues to assert his dominance on the grass courts, charging into the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev on July 7, 2025. The two-time defending champion, ranked world No. 2, faced a rare moment of vulnerability, dropping the first set in a tense tiebreak, but former French tennis star Fabrice Santoro, now a BeIN Sports commentator, saw no cause for concern. “Despite losing the first set, I still feel that Carlos Alcaraz holds all the cards in this match,” Santoro declared during the broadcast. “He’s behind on the scoreboard, but he’s not being dominated by his opponent.” This assessment proved prophetic as Alcaraz’s relentless athleticism and shot-making flair turned the tide, cementing his status as a formidable force in his pursuit of a third consecutive Wimbledon crown.
Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, entered the match riding an 18-match winning streak at SW19, a testament to his grass-court prowess. His clash with Rublev, the world No. 6 known for his powerful baseline game, was a test of endurance and adaptability. The first set saw Rublev capitalize on Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors—12 unforced errors compared to Rublev’s 6—securing the tiebreak with a pinpoint backhand. Yet, Alcaraz’s response was a masterclass in resilience. “I’m just feeling great,” he said post-match, reflecting on his ability to elevate his game on grass after a clay-heavy season that included Monte-Carlo, Rome, and a historic French Open title defense against Jannik Sinner. His 46 winners and 15 aces against Rublev underscored his attacking intent, with Santoro noting, “The level he’s playing at is insane. Even when he’s down, he finds a way to impose his will.”
The match, played on Centre Court, was a showcase of Alcaraz’s versatility. After dropping the first set, he adjusted his tactics, tightening his serve (winning 78% of first-serve points) and exploiting Rublev’s defensive lapses with deft drop shots and blistering forehands. By the third set, he had broken Rublev twice, seizing control with a 6-4 scoreline that reflected his growing command. “He was moving unbelievable,” Alcaraz said of Rublev’s early resistance, echoing his respect for the Russian’s 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters title run. Yet, as Santoro observed, Alcaraz’s ability to dictate rallies—winning 32 of 45 longer points—ensured he “held all the cards,” even when trailing. His 100th career win, achieved earlier this year against Tallon Griekspoor at Indian Wells, highlights his rapid ascent, second only to John McEnroe in reaching that milestone.
Alcaraz’s journey to the quarter-finals has been marked by challenges. A first-round scare against Fabio Fognini went to five sets, and his second-round win over British qualifier Oliver Tarvet was a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 cruise, showing his ability to shift gears. Off the court, his three-day Ibiza getaway after his epic five-hour, 29-minute French Open final victory over Sinner sparked debate with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. “There were some heated discussions about finding balance as a young global star,” Santoro remarked, suggesting Alcaraz’s need to “escape the circuit” to reconnect with friends and family fuels his mental strength. This balance has translated into a 19-0 clay-court record in 2025 major tournaments and a 37-match win streak at non-hard-court Slams, per ATP stats.
Now, Alcaraz faces British veteran Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals, a matchup he calls “almost a nightmare” due to Norrie’s grinding style and home-crowd support. With five Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledons and two French Opens, Alcaraz remains the betting favorite, his 5-0 record in major finals unmatched since Roger Federer. His rivalry with Sinner, highlighted by a dramatic French Open comeback where he saved three match points, has defined an era, with The Guardian calling it “one of the greatest finals ever played, in any sport.” As Alcaraz eyes a historic three-peat, Santoro’s words ring true: even when tested, Alcaraz’s belief and versatility make him the master of his fate on the Wimbledon stage.
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