Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion and world No. 2, is wasting no time in his quest for a historic third consecutive title at the All England Club. Fresh off his commanding victory at the Queen’s Club Championships on June 22, 2025, the 22-year-old Spaniard has scheduled his first practice session at Wimbledon for Wednesday, June 25, as he transitions from his recent grass-court triumph to the sport’s grandest stage. With his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero arriving in London to guide his preparations, Alcaraz is poised to open play on Centre Court as the defending champion on Monday, June 30, at 1:30 p.m. local time, aiming to cement his legacy among tennis’s elite.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in dominance, with 42 wins, five Grand Slam titles, and a staggering 18-match winning streak. His latest feat—a second Queen’s Club title, where he defeated Jiri Lehecka in the final—reaffirmed his grass-court prowess, earning him the moniker “Grasscaraz” among fans. “Lifting the title two years ago is what gave me the belief to go on and win Wimbledon for the first time,” Alcaraz reflected after his 2023 Queen’s victory, a sentiment that resonates as he eyes a rare three-peat. Only Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic have won three straight Wimbledon titles since 1991, and Alcaraz’s blistering form positions him to join this exclusive club.
The road to Wimbledon hasn’t been without challenges. Alcaraz’s epic French Open final against Jannik Sinner on June 8, a five-hour, 29-minute marathon—the second-longest Grand Slam final in history—tested his endurance. Trailing by two sets, he staged a dramatic comeback, saving three championship points to claim his fifth major. A brief Ibiza getaway with friends, including Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilón, offered a “more chill” respite, as Alcaraz noted, allowing him to recharge before Queen’s. “It doesn’t matter the place you’re going,” he said, emphasizing the need to recover “physically and mentally” after Roland Garros. His team, led by Ferrero, ensured a disciplined approach, with Alcaraz humorously admitting, “I’m getting older, and my body can’t handle it anymore.”
Wednesday’s practice session marks the start of a meticulous preparation phase. Ferrero, alongside physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno and agent Albert Molina, will join Alcaraz in London to fine-tune his game. The Spaniard’s aggressive baseline style, powered by a lethal forehand and improved serve, has made him a grass-court juggernaut. His 6-1 record at Queen’s and 4-0 finals record on grass underscore his comfort on the surface. Yet, rivals loom large. Sinner, the world No. 1, and Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, remain formidable threats. Alcaraz holds an 8-4 edge over Sinner, including a straight-sets win in the 2025 Italian Open final, but Djokovic’s hard-court dominance, as seen in their 2025 Australian Open clash, poses a challenge.
Alcaraz’s Wimbledon journey is about more than titles—it’s about legacy. At 22, he’s already matched Rafael Nadal’s five Grand Slams, a milestone he called “destiny” after his French Open win. His versatility across surfaces, highlighted by titles on clay, grass, and hard courts, sets him apart. “I love playing in front of the fans in London,” he said, eager to reconnect with the Wimbledon crowd. As he steps onto the practice courts, Alcaraz carries the weight of history and the hopes of a nation, ready to chase greatness on tennis’s hallowed grounds.
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