Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 2, kicked off his title defense at the 2025 Championships with a performance that left tennis legend John McEnroe stunned and critical. Facing world No. 59 Adam Walton on Centre Court on July 1, 2025, Alcaraz secured a straight-sets victory, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, in just under two hours. However, the three-time Wimbledon winner appeared far from his electrifying best, prompting McEnroe to describe him as “flat as a pancake” during commentary. The seven-time Grand Slam champion’s candid assessment highlighted an unexpectedly subdued display from the Spaniard, whose usual flair and energy seemed dimmed on the hallowed grass of SW19, raising questions about his form as he aims for a third consecutive Wimbledon crown.
Alcaraz, fresh off a French Open title and a second Queen’s Club triumph in June, entered the tournament as a favorite, riding a 13-match grass-court winning streak. Yet, against the 26-year-old Australian debutant Walton, ranked 95 places below him, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm. The first set saw him break early to lead 3-0, but his play lacked the dynamism that has defined his rise. “It was very unusual to see Carlos Alcaraz play like that,” McEnroe remarked, noting the Spaniard’s uncharacteristically low energy. “He was flat as a pancake out there today, and I’m not sure why.” McEnroe’s surprise was palpable, given Alcaraz’s reputation for explosive athleticism and relentless intensity, qualities that have earned him five Major titles by age 22.
The match wasn’t without its challenges for Alcaraz. Walton, a former NCAA champion making his Wimbledon main-draw debut, showed resilience, particularly in the second set, where he pushed Alcaraz to 4-4 before the Spaniard clinched a crucial break. “I started really nervous,” Alcaraz admitted post-match, acknowledging the weight of defending his title on Centre Court. “I think I played a good level, not my best tennis, but good enough to go through.” His serve, typically a weapon, was inconsistent, with only four aces and a first-serve percentage hovering around 60%. Walton capitalized on moments of Alcaraz’s lethargy, earning loud applause for a stunning backhand winner, but ultimately lacked the firepower to sustain an upset.
McEnroe’s critique extended beyond Alcaraz’s energy levels, pointing to a lack of sharpness in his groundstrokes and movement. “It’s very unusual to see him not bring that spark,” McEnroe said, contrasting Alcaraz’s performance with his dazzling displays in previous years. The American legend speculated on possible factors, noting Alcaraz’s demanding schedule, which included a grueling clay season and a quick transition to grass. “He’s played a lot of tennis, and maybe that’s catching up with him,” McEnroe suggested, though he remained optimistic about Alcaraz’s ability to rebound. “He’s still the guy to beat, but he’s got to find that fire again.”
Alcaraz’s path to a sixth Grand Slam title remains formidable, with potential clashes against top seeds like Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic looming. His recent mixed doubles commitment with Emma Raducanu, set for August’s US Open, has also drawn attention, adding to his packed summer. Despite the lackluster opener, Alcaraz expressed confidence in his grass-court prowess. “The grass is helping me a lot with my style,” he said, reflecting on his love for Wimbledon’s fast courts. “I just need to keep playing, keep improving, and I know I can find my best level.” His next opponent, British wildcard Jack Draper, awaits in the second round, promising a tougher test after Draper’s upset win over Hubert Hurkacz.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s charisma remains undimmed. He charmed the Centre Court crowd with a smile and a wave, even as he admitted to feeling the pressure of expectations. “It’s always special to come back here as the defending champion,” he said, emphasizing his emotional connection to Wimbledon. Yet, McEnroe’s comments, echoed by posts on X describing Alcaraz’s performance as lackluster, suggest the Spaniard must rediscover his spark to silence doubters. With a favorable draw and time to adjust, Alcaraz has the opportunity to shake off this “flat” start and reignite his campaign, but as McEnroe’s critique underscores, the road to another Wimbledon title will demand more than just talent—it will require the fire that has made him a global superstar.
Leave a Reply