Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has cemented his dominance at Wimbledon 2025, storming into the quarterfinals with a thrilling victory over Andrey Rublev on Centre Court. The two-time defending champion, chasing a rare third consecutive title at the All England Club, delivered a captivating performance, overcoming the Russian 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. This win marked his 18th straight victory at Wimbledon, bringing him closer to an elite group of tennis legends. Yet, it was his post-match reflection that grabbed headlines: “This year feels a bit different to me. It’s a different kind of tennis at Wimbledon, a different feeling. For me, it’s a bit slower, the balls are a bit slower. It’s a different feeling.” These words reveal an Alcaraz who not only dominates but keenly analyzes the nuances of grass-court play.
The match against Rublev, played under the closed roof of Centre Court, was a showcase of resilience and talent. Rublev, known for his powerful groundstrokes, pushed Alcaraz to the limit in the first set, clinching it in a tense tiebreak. “It’s just about believing in yourself,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview, highlighting the mindset that fueled his comeback. After dropping the first set, the world No. 2 found his groove, securing crucial breaks in both the second and third sets and sealing the fourth with remarkable composure, capped by a perfectly executed drop shot. “Today I played my best match of the tournament so far,” he declared, visibly pleased. “I’m feeling great. I hope I can keep going like this and feel more and more comfortable.”
Alcaraz’s victory over Rublev was not just a technical triumph but a testament to his adaptability. He noted that the playing conditions at Wimbledon 2025 feel slower than the previous year, a keen observation reflecting his sharp game awareness. “Obviously, Roland Garros was completely different because I played more matches on clay before the tournament,” he explained, comparing his recent French Open triumph to the transition to grass. “Now I’m just trying to find that feeling, and I’m really proud and happy that I found it today, much better than in previous matches.” This adaptability sets him apart, especially given his demanding schedule: after clinching the 2025 Roland Garros against Jannik Sinner in an epic final, Alcaraz took a brief break in Ibiza before dominating at Queen’s Club, where he honed his serve, once a weakness in his game.
At just 22 years and 56 days old, Alcaraz became the youngest player to reach three consecutive Wimbledon quarterfinals since Rafael Nadal. His next challenge is Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who advanced to the quarters after a five-set battle against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry. “He’s a very powerful player; he loves to be aggressive,” Alcaraz said of Rublev, a comment that could also apply to Norrie. “When he finds his forehand, he loves moving his opponent side to side, so it’s going to be tough on grass, especially because movement is the hardest thing to do.” With 38 winners and 10 aces against Rublev, Alcaraz showed he’s in top form, despite early tournament struggles, like his five-set battle against Fabio Fognini in the first round.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s infectious energy shines. His recent golf rivalry with Andy Murray, resulting in a 1-1 tie, added a lighthearted touch to his Wimbledon campaign. “I love playing golf on my days off,” he said, chuckling while discussing plans for another match with Murray. His ability to balance competition and fun, paired with his positive mindset—“I have to be ready to fight,” he said about the weather conditions—makes him a fan favorite. With five Grand Slam titles already, including Wimbledon 2023 and 2024, Roland Garros 2024 and 2025, and the 2022 US Open, Alcaraz is on track to become a legend. As he prepares for the quarterfinals, the dream of a third straight Wimbledon title feels within reach, but his humility and love for the game—“This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court, and the most beautiful trophy”—keep him grounded.
Leave a Reply