Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, is charging toward history at the 2025 Championships, where he’s on the cusp of a rare three-peat. On July 8, 2025, the 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a masterclass on Centre Court, dismantling British favorite Cameron Norrie in a swift 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory to secure his third consecutive Wimbledon semifinal berth. With a colossal clash against American Taylor Fritz looming on July 11, Alcaraz revealed an unexpected twist in his preparation: no Ibiza getaway this time. Instead, he’s turning to golf and family time to recharge, a strategy that underscores his evolving approach to maintaining peak performance under pressure.
Alcaraz’s performance against Norrie was a display of ruthless efficiency, blending explosive power with finesse in just 99 minutes. The world No. 2 fired 39 winners, including 13 aces, and saved all five break points he faced, showcasing why he’s the tournament favorite. “I’m really happy with the level I played today against a difficult player like Cam,” Alcaraz said post-match, his smile radiating confidence. “To play another semi-final here at Wimbledon is really special.” His victory extended a remarkable 23-match winning streak that began in April, bringing him within two wins of becoming only the fifth man in the Open Era to claim three straight Wimbledon titles. With a 19-3 record at SW19, Alcaraz’s grass-court prowess—likened to Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay—makes him a formidable force.
Unlike previous years, when a quick trip to Ibiza provided a mental reset between Grand Slams, Alcaraz is staying grounded in London. When a fan in the crowd shouted “Ibiza!” during his on-court interview, he laughed and responded, “No time!” Instead, he plans to unwind with a round of golf, a passion he’s nurtured during his Wimbledon campaign. “For sure I’m going to play some golf, just to switch up my mind a little bit,” he said, hinting at a potential tee-off with Hollywood star Tom Holland, who was spotted in the Royal Box. The pair shared a lighthearted chat about golf, with Alcaraz praising Holland’s swing. “I would love to play against him on the golf course. It would be such an honor,” he added, hoping to arrange a match during his two-day break. This new ritual reflects Alcaraz’s knack for balancing intense focus with off-court relaxation, a key to his unflappable demeanor.
The semifinal against Fritz, the world No. 5 and first American man to reach this stage since John Isner in 2018, promises to be a blockbuster. Fritz earned his spot with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) win over Karen Khachanov, overcoming a mid-match foot injury and a bizarre line-call malfunction. “He’s playing great,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “The grass season for him has been really successful so far. I have got to be ready for this battle.” Fritz’s recent triumphs, including titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, and his runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open, signal his readiness to challenge for a maiden Grand Slam title. Yet, Alcaraz holds a 2-0 head-to-head edge, though their clashes have never been on grass, adding an element of unpredictability.
Alcaraz’s preparation also involves leaning on his family, who are in London to support his campaign. “Two days is going to be great to rest up a little bit,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of their presence. This shift from Ibiza’s beaches to London’s fairways and family moments highlights his maturity at just 22. His ability to stay calm under pressure—evident in his clinical dispatching of Norrie, where he won 89% of first-serve points and dazzled with serve-and-volley plays—stems from a mindset of enjoying the moment. “When you’re serving great, you’re playing from the baseline and playing the return games with more confidence,” he explained. “You’re just playing more calm and thinking things clearly.”
As Alcaraz eyes a second “Channel Slam” (winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year), he’s aware of the historical stakes. A victory would align him with Bjorn Borg as the only men in the Open Era to achieve the feat twice. Fritz, fueled by self-belief from his US Open final run, will be no pushover, but Alcaraz’s blend of power, precision, and mental clarity makes him the man to beat. With golf clubs in hand and family by his side, Alcaraz is recharging not just for a match, but for a shot at tennis immortality.
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