Carlos Alcaraz stayed on course for a Wimbledon three-peat as he took down Taylor Fritz in a semi-final that delivered some wonderful moments of liquid improvisation.
BBC viewers were treated to a masterclass in two senses, because the 1992 Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi sat in on commentary and offered observations of great acuity: one genius of the game complimenting – and complementing – another.
“This guy is like The Matrix,” gasped Agassi after Alcaraz had responded to a venomous bodyline return from Fritz with a sumptuous drop-volley winner. “He opened up his body on purpose to catch it deep [behind himself] so he could soften it. He is seeing stuff in slow motion.”
Alcaraz began the match with the subtlest of drop shots on the very first point, and came up with creative flourishes whenever he most needed them. If there was a signature stroke in this match, it was the carefully calibrated lob which brought up a break of the Fritz serve early in the third set, which Alcaraz celebrated with a huge shout of “Vamos!”
Alcaraz didn’t have things all his own way, because Fritz is both a consummate professional and a huge server. The American snatched the second set with a superb display in which he struck 13 clean winners while coughing up just four unforced errors: a near-perfect sequence of points.
And Fritz also stood just an ace away from taking Alcaraz to a decider when he led the fourth-set tie-break 6-4, with a serve in hand. But the four points that Alcaraz then produced, to win that tie-break by eight to six, were utterly unplayable. Although his focus can sometimes wander against lesser opponents, he knew that he needed to close this one out quickly and conserve his energies for Sunday’s final.
To that end, Alcaraz played every shot with a rare combination of flawless technique and tactical mastery, eventually closing out his 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 victory with an unreturnable backhand up the line.
Carlos Alcaraz is a #Wimbledon finalist for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW 😮
The two-time defending champion defeats Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6) to put one hand on the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy – and Centre Court ROARS for the Spaniard 🇪🇸
Utterly sensational. pic.twitter.com/Twy6y6vK6V
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2025
In the BBC’s post-match analysis, John McEnroe took over from Agassi and expressed his appreciation for both men’s performances. “That’s the best match I’ve seen Fritz play on grass,” he said. “It’s only a guy like Alcaraz who could have dealt with that. Alcaraz is something out of this world. There is nowhere to attack.”
In his post-match press conference, Fritz was asked whether he preferred to face Alcaraz’s variety or the relentless groundstrokes of fellow Wimbledon finalist Jannik Sinner.
“I think for me it’s a little more uncomfortable to play Carlos just because of the unpredictability of what he’s going to do,” Fritz replied. “I think I play a lot off of anticipation. You never know whether Carlos might serve and volley on like a 15-30 or something like that, which I feel like if I’m playing Jannik, that’s something that’s probably not going to happen.
“He has so many different ways to win, and he’s very good at making adjustments. He made a huge adjustment after the second set. I felt like I was having a lot of success on his second serve points. Third set, fourth set, he randomly would be hitting 122-, 23-mile-an-hour second serves. At the same time, hitting 85-mile-an-hour short kickers. When someone is serving that much variety on a second serve, it’s really tough to get on it and be aggressive.”
You have to admire a player with so many options at their disposal. Alcaraz not only has all the shots but so rarely picks the wrong option. His concentration can fade in the early rounds but on Friday he remained locked in, despite a couple of medical interruptions for fainting fans in the second set, and two popped champagne corks that delayed his serve in the fourth – a very first-world problem.
The result was a masterful display on almost every front. Watched by a coterie of celebrities that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Benedict Cumberbatch and Rami Malek, Alcaraz delivered true Hollywood tennis. He might have been disappointed, though, that his mixed-doubles partner Emma Raducanu didn’t arrive on Centre Court until the second semi-final, owing to a training session in nearby Roehampton.
With a serve that banged down 13 aces, a groundstroke game that can conjure winners from nowhere and 1980s-style touch at the net, Alcaraz feels like a composite of every Wimbledon champion who went before him.
And with Sinner coming through the second semi-final in even more comfortable style, the stage is set for a titanic clash on Sunday: the second major in a row to pit these two dominant forces against each other.
Whatever the result, it will be the seventh straight grand-slam trophy to fall into the hands of these two tennis giants. Since Sinner entered the winner’s circle for the first time at the start of 2024, each man has collected three titles, and their other so-called rivals have been reduced to a supporting cast.
“I think the things that we are doing right now is great for tennis,” said Alcaraz, when asked if he saw a comparison with the former “Big Three” of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “We just fight to engage more people to watch tennis, for the tennis to be bigger.
“I just hope to keep doing the right things for the next five 10 years, just to take our rivalry to the same table as those players.”
Agassi hits the right notes in the commentary box
He became a Centre Court favourite 33 years ago thanks to his thrilling tennis and rock-star looks. But it was Andre Agassi’s voice that captivated Wimbledon fans on Friday, following a surprise stint in the BBC commentary box.
The 1992 men’s champion stole the show after being drafted in alongside Andrew Castle and Tim Henman for Carlos Alcaraz’s semi-final win over Taylor Fritz. Television viewers were full of praise for the American’s softly-spoken analysis, calling for him to be given a permanent spot in the corporation’s line-up.
“Alcaraz is only 6ft tall, but he covers the court like an octopus,” was among the most memorable lines from the 55-year-old, who is married to fellow tennis champion Steffi Graf. He also expressed genuine concern for the latest medical incident on Centre Court because of high temperatures. “They are sitting in the baking sun and as players we worry about them,” he said.
It was not all plain sailing after Castle subjected Agassi to a grilling about who was sitting in the Royal Box. As Castle was explaining who each person was, Agassi said: “I can’t keep up with all of this.” Castle then joked: “Let’s test you. This is Andre Agassi and this is, ‘Guess the Royal Box member’. Let’s go and find someone else.”
An increasingly-uncomfortable Agassi replied: “No, don’t torture me.” Castle continued to tease him by identifying people like former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, only for Agassi to retort: “People are watching for tennis, not for this.”
Castle also appeared to spoil the ending of the last James Bond movie for his new colleague when he picked out “the bloke who knocked off James Bond, Rami Malek”, adding: “That’s no good. I’d be nervous sitting next to him.” When asked by a none-the-wiser Agassi which Bond the character played by Malek had killed, Castle replied: “Daniel Craig. Yeah, that was it. It’s over.”
The praise being heaped on Agassi was in stark contrast to the backlash the BBC endured last year after recruiting Nick Kyrgios to its Wimbledon team. That was after Kyrgios had admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend the previous year.
Upon retiring from tennis in 2006 with eight major singles titles, Agassi continued to play in exhibition matches, while he and Graf, with whom he has two children, have also been involved in numerous business ventures and charity work. As well as various stints as a television commentator, he had a spell coaching Novak Djokovic, including at Wimbledon in 2017.
In April, he made his professional debut in the sport pickleball, which is a racket sport with similarities to tennis and table tennis.
04:44 PM BST
Alcaraz reacts
It was a really difficult match as always when I have to play against Taylor. Even tougher with the conditions, it was really hot today.
I’m just really happy with everything that I’ve done today. I dealt with the nerves – playing here in a semi-final is not easy.
I’m really proud with the way I stayed calm and thought clearly. I’m pleased about my level today.
04:39 PM BST
Irresistible Alcaraz
- 2nd grand slam final in a row
- 3rd Wimbledon final in a row
- 6th final in a row
04:33 PM BST
Watch: How Alcaraz reached the men’s final
Carlos Alcaraz is a #Wimbledon finalist for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW 😮
The two-time defending champion defeats Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6) to put one hand on the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy – and Centre Court ROARS for the Spaniard 🇪🇸
Utterly sensational. pic.twitter.com/Twy6y6vK6V
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2025
04:28 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) Fritz – TIE-BREAK
Alcaraz whips a forehand to Fritz’s feet and the American can’t get his volley over the net, 7-6. Alcaraz backhand down the line, Fritz stretches to meet it but sends his defensive forehand long, 8-6.
GAME SET MATCH ALCARAZ!!!!
04:26 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-6 (6-6) Fritz – TIE-BREAK
Fritz first serve unreturned, 4-3. Fritz drills a backhand down the line and it is too hot for Alcaraz, 4-4. Fritz in attack mode again and he places a forehand into the corner, 4-5.
Fritz first serve unreturned, 4-6. Alcaraz drop volley, Fritz gets there and sends a desperate forehand long, 5-6. Oh dear, Fritz shanks a forehand long, 6-6.
04:22 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-6 (4-2) Fritz – TIE-BREAK
Fritz backhand return long, 1-0. 101mph Fritz forehand winner, 1-1. Alcaraz overhead smash winner, 2-1. Fritz return into the tramlines, 3-1. Alcaraz drop volley winner on the angle, 4-1. Alcaraz is going through the gears.
Alcaraz backhand return into the net, 4-2.
04:18 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-6 Fritz*
No problem for Fritz when serving to stay in the set and into a tie-break we go!
04:15 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-5 Fritz
Second serve from Alcaraz down the T finds the line, jumps up and beats Fritz’s despairing reach. A tie-break sealed for the second seed. Will Fritz meet him there?
04:10 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 5-5 Fritz*
This is where Alcaraz makes his move. Doesn’t appear to be as Fritz bangs in two unreturned first serves. Alcaraz then misses with a forehand pass after dragging Fritz to the net, 40-0.
Fritz seals another game when Alcaraz nets a one-handed backhand on the run.
04:08 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 5-4 Fritz
Alcaraz has won 79 & 71 per cent of points on his first and second serve, respectively. Ridiculous numbers.
04:05 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 4-4 Fritz*
Fritz races through a service hold to 15 with a backhand winner. A few moments aside, this has not been a great tennis match to watch.
04:02 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 4-3 Fritz
Beautiful feel on a drop shot from Alcaraz, 30-0. Fritz wasn’t even close to getting there. Alcaraz completes another love hold when Fritz’s return is wide.
03:59 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 3-3 Fritz*
Miraculous return of serve by Alcaraz and Fritz sends a forehand long, break point. Saved by Fritz when Alcaraz sends a defensive lob long.
Fritz sees out the scare with a powerful first serve.
03:56 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 3-2 Fritz
Alcaraz shuffles his feet to hit an inside-out forehand then changes to a drop shot in the last second. Expertly done and Fritz never saw it coming.
There had been murmurings from some areas that the grass courts had played slow this year, with one player in the opening week likening the surface to clay.
However, this has been anything but. A much more traditional grass-court match with clever and powerful serving and quick rallies and points.
03:53 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 2-2 Fritz*
Serve remains king as Fritz moves to ace No 15 in this game. Other than three lapses of concentration, breaks of serve have been very hard to come by.
03:48 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 2-1 Fritz
Defiant shake of the fist by Alcaraz as he holds to 30. If he doesn’t drop his focus, he should get this done.
03:46 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 1-1 Fritz*
Scoreboard pressure on Fritz as he serves second in this set. He ends Alcaraz’s run of games and this match is yet to live up to the occasion.
03:42 PM BST
Fourth set: Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 Fritz
Alcaraz did not drop a point behind his first serve in the first set. Clinical. His first serve takes him to 40-30 and a rare rally ends with Fritz sending a forehand long.
Taylor Fritz has been cool, calm and collected, but that was the first show of real emotion from him as he lost the third set. He looked frustrated and annoyed at himself for letting some of those chances slip away.
Above the court are a host of historical figures – or at least actors who have played them on screen. Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), Freddie Mercury (Remi Malek) and the Great Gatsby (Leonardo Di Caprio).
03:37 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 Fritz*
Door opens for Alcaraz at 0-30 and now it is wide open when a Fritz double fault makes 40-15.
Fritz first serve unreturned saves the first break point. But not the second, after Fritz pushes a backhand long.
Alcaraz breaks and takes a two-set-to-one lead.
03:33 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 5-3 Fritz
Alcaraz puts himself within a game of taking a two-set-to-one lead with his latest easy service game.
03:28 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 4-3 Fritz*
Ace followed by a double fault for Fritz, 40-15. Wide serve by Fritz then he finishes the game with a backhand winner into the corner.
03:26 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 4-2 Fritz
Alcaraz has had great success jamming Fritz’s body with his serve. Hardly any rallies in this match. First strike tennis from both players.
03:24 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 3-2 Fritz*
Fritz gets back on track with a hold to 15. He marches back to his chair. Can he break Alcaraz for the second time?
03:21 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 3-1 Fritz
Like in the opening set, Alcaraz breaks Fritz then consolidates the break with an authoritative service hold. The intensity he lost at the end of the second set has been found again.
03:18 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 2-1 Fritz*
A returning clinic from Alcaraz. Fritz hasn’t done much wrong but finds himself down 0-40. Alcaraz drop shot, Fritz gets there, Alcaraz lifts a lob over Fritz’s head, Fritz chases back but can’t get the ball back into play.
Incredible game from Alcaraz as he breaks.
03:15 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7, 1-1 Fritz
Alcaraz ends Fritz’s little streak of games to get level. Can he find a way to attack Fritz’s serve?
03:14 PM BST
‘A few more empty seats on Centre Court’
There are a few more empty seats on Centre Court than there were before the conclusion of the second set, and unsurprisingly perhaps almost all of the gaps are in the full sunshine.
There have already been two – thankfully brief – medical incidents on Centre Court and in the sun, it will be hot.
03:13 PM BST
Third set: Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 0-1 Fritz*
Seven minutes between the last point of the second set and the resumption of the match after Fritz leaves the court.
A long time for Alcaraz to think about what went wrong but he doesn’t help as Fritz holds to 15 again. The American has seized the momentum.
03:05 PM BST
‘Those on Centre Court could now be in for a thriller’
Carlos Alcaraz has looked entirely unfazed by anything Taylor Fritz has thrown at him in this match, but at 0-30 down he double-faulted, handing his opponent three break points.
Fritz had held his composure throughout the match and served well. As Alcaraz faltered, Fritz pounced to level the contest at one set apiece.
Those on Centre Court could now be in for a thriller.
03:03 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-7 Fritz
Here comes Fritz! He moves to 0-30 after a deep return is followed by a forehand winner. Wow. Double fault Alcaraz. Three set points.
Alcaraz gets a mid-court forehand and sends the ball long. Fritz breaks and takes the set.
Dreadful game from Alcaraz and he is duly punished. All of a sudden it is game on.
03:00 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 5-6 Fritz*
Three missed returns from Alcaraz allows Fritz to coast to 40-0 and he guarantees himself at least a tie-break when Alcaraz sends a forehand long.
A curiously poor game from the Spaniard.
02:56 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 5-5 Fritz
Pressure is on Alcaraz as he serves to stay in the set. Alcaraz confuses Fritz with a sliced forehand to the baseline and the American nets a tame forehand, 30-30.
Champion comes through the game and on we go!
02:52 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 4-5 Fritz*
Fritz responds to the disappointment of not breaking in the previous game with a service hold to 15. Increasingly feels like this set will be decided by a tie-break.
02:48 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 4-4 Fritz
The average game time has been two minutes and 18 seconds. That’s a clear sign of how dominant the server has been.
Fritz starts the game with a return winner. Play is then stopped for an issue in the crowd in the East Stand.
The match resumes swiftly and Fritz takes the game to 30-30 with a backhand down the line winner. He senses the moment.
Play stops again for another issue in the crowd behind the umpire. An umbrella is being used to shield the individual. Play restarts and Fritz steps up to the moment with a forehand winner to earn his first break point of the match.
Alcaraz first serve into Fritz’s body, the American can’t move his feet and nets a backhand. Back to deuce. ‘Vamos’ screams Alcaraz as he holds when Fritz goes long with a forehand.
02:38 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 3-4 Fritz*
Deep return by Alcaraz and Fritz nets a backhand, 15-15. The American moves to 40-15 after a couple of backhand errors from Alcaraz and holds with the second seed nets a drop shot.
Fritz is ticking along here as we enter the business end of the set.
02:36 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 3-3 Fritz
No service resumes for Alcaraz on serve as he holds to love. He is making it look very easy at the moment.
02:34 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 2-3 Fritz*
Fritz with another comfortable hold. He will be frustrated to be serving this well but a set down.
02:32 PM BST
‘Fritz will have to hope he gets another chance’
What might have been for Taylor Fritz, a sliced volley into the tramlines with Alcaraz holding the advantage on his serve. Not a definite chance, but a half one, and against Alcaraz that might be all you get.
It was one of the only times Alcaraz has not held comfortably.
Fritz will have to hope he gets another chance, but there has been hardly any errors from Alcaraz so far.
02:31 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 2-2 Fritz
Casual backhand volley long from Alcaraz at 40-15. It proves costly as Fritz takes the game to deuce for the first time in the match.
Dominant point by Fritz, he takes the initiative and comes forward but can’t adjust his feet and pushes a volley into the tramlines.
02:27 PM BST
Alcaraz 6-4, 1-2 Fritz*
Still waiting for this match to catch fire. Apart from the break of serve in the opening game, this match is yet to excite.
02:22 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4, 1-1 Fritz
Slim pickings for Fritz on the Alcaraz serve as the defending champion holds to love. He is still yet to drop a point on his first serve.
02:20 PM BST
‘Fritz did not do too much wrong’
Taylor Fritz did not really do too much wrong that set after losing the opening game, but concerningly for him he never looked like getting back into it either.
As Alcaraz wraps up the first set almost without breaking sweat – aside from one brief pause because of something in his eye – it almost felt pedestrian.
In just 35 minutes, Alcaraz has moved one step closer to defending his Wimbledon title, and Fritz almost has to hope for the Spaniard to drop his intensity to have a chance of finding a way back into the contest.
02:19 PM BST
Second set: Alcaraz 6-4, 0-1 Fritz*
Better start to a set from Fritz as he holds to love speedily. Can he start applying some scoreboard pressure?
02:16 PM BST
Alcaraz* 6-4 Fritz
Trainer comes out before the game to treat a wound on Fritz’s elbow caused by that dive in the previous game.
Back-to-back aces from Alcaraz to open the game. He earns three set points and after 35 minutes, he takes it when he drops a forehand to Fritz’s feet and the American can’t get the ball over the net.
02:11 PM BST
Alcaraz 5-4 Fritz*
Fritz dives to try and reach an angled forehand flick from Alcaraz but doesn’t get there, going down in a heap, 30-30. Fritz forehand long, Alcaraz set point.
Saved by Fritz with a forehand winner and he survives the game when his forehand is too big for Alcaraz.
02:08 PM BST
Alcaraz* 5-3 Fritz
Gorgeous finish to the game from Alcaraz as he opts to serve and volley, winning the point with a drop volley. The footwork to adjust his body was exquisite.
02:03 PM BST
Alcaraz 4-3 Fritz*
128mph ace down the T by Fritz moves him to 30-0 and he gets to 40-0 with a well-controlled drop shot winner.
And he keeps himself in the set when Alcaraz sends a forehand long.
02:00 PM BST
Alcaraz* 4-2 Fritz
Weirdly, every time Alcaraz gets his first serve in, he wins the point. When it is a second serve, he loses the point.
Fritz gets a look at an Alcaraz second serve at 30-all but nets his forehand return, 40-30. Fritz’s forehand long and Alcaraz holds.
There are so many handheld fans on Centre Court it is hard to imagine that Wimbledon has not at least been giving some out.
There is no way around it; it is scorching in the sun, with almost no breeze on Centre Court.
It might be the hottest ticket in town both figuratively and literally.
01:56 PM BST
Alcaraz 3-2 Fritz*
Alcaraz stops play for due to a problem with his eye. Could be a contact lens issue or maybe something has got in there.
Fritz aces him to complete his hold.
01:51 PM BST
Alcaraz* 3-1 Fritz
Stunning backhand return up the line winner from Fritz, 30-all. He might have a chance if he keeps hitting shots like that. Swinging 121mph ace down the T from Alcaraz to hold.
01:48 PM BST
‘If Alcaraz is at his best, it is hard to see how Fritz can find a way through’
Those two games will not have helped settle Taylor Fritz’s nerves, but he has already shown this tournament that he is a fighter.
On the other hand, we have seen another side to Carlos Alcaraz this tournament, and almost a first round upset, but as the rounds have gone on, he seems more and more settled.
If Alcaraz is at his best, it is hard to see how Fritz can find a way through.
01:47 PM BST
Alcaraz 2-1 Fritz*
Relief for Fritz as he gets on the scoreboard with a love hold. His serve should fly in the very warm weather at Wimbledon.
01:45 PM BST
Alcaraz* 2-0 Fritz
Ominous opening to the match by the defending champion as he holds to love to consolidate the break.
01:43 PM BST
First set: Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Taylor Fritz* (*denotes server)
Alcaraz looking sharp already as he sends Fritz the wrong way with a forehand winner, 15-30. Fritz nets a forehand to give Alcaraz two break points.
He saves the first with an ace but not the second as Alcaraz gets a huge slice of luck when his backhand clips the net and drops short on Fritz’s side before he can get there.
Alcaraz breaks. Perfect start.
01:38 PM BST
Here we go!
Showtime on Centre Court. The players are on court and ready to play. Fritz won the coin toss and will serve first.
We’re ready. 👀
It’s time to find out who our first Gentlemen’s Singles finalist will be, as Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz head out onto Centre Court 😁#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/DFX9nyzaVN
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2025
01:27 PM BST
The tennis girlfriend and fashion queen who has taken over Wimbledon
She was derided for being the ultimate tennis “WAG” and accused of profiting from her boyfriend’s successful career. But Morgan Riddle, the immaculately dressed girlfriend of Taylor Fritz who has graced Wimbledon with her fashion tips this past fortnight, is becoming something of a cult heroine in tennis. Not only that, she is being credited with elevating SW19’s fashion game and attracting legions of younger fans to the sport.
Such is Riddle’s influence that she was dubbed “the most famous woman in men’s tennis” when she was splashed on the cover of The New York Times two years ago. Ever since she was profiled in Netflix’s Break Point series in 2023, the cameras have trailed the glamorous former model, who is known for her “tenniscore chic”, wherever she goes.
Click here to read more.
01:21 PM BST
Big names in the Royal Box
- Bjorn Borg, five-time Wimbledon champion
- Pat Cash, 1987 Wimbledon champion
- Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister
- Benedict Cumberbatch, actor
- Rami Malek, actor
- James Norton, actor
- Dame Elaine Page, singer and actress
- Dame Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief
01:13 PM BST
Data that shows Carlos Alcaraz is in league of his own
By Ollie Corfe
If Carlos Alcaraz is to claim a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles by taking this year’s Championships, he will have to do something few before him have achieved.
The Spaniard would be only the fifth player to win at SW19 three years on the spin, following in the footsteps of Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (the Serbian’s four consecutive wins were punctuated by the cancelled Championships in 2020 during the Covid pandemic).
Alcaraz himself has described Federer and Djokovic, along with childhood hero Rafael Nadal, as “not from this planet”, but if he took a moment to look at his own record he would see that his young career is already on course to challenge the very best the sport has ever seen.
01:02 PM BST
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12:52 PM BST
Men’s semi-final day
Hello and welcome to day 12 from Wimbledon for men’s semi-final day with the first match being Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz.
Alcaraz has won the last two titles at the All England Club, beating Novak Djokovic in the final each time. The Spaniard is on a career-best 23-match winning streak that includes winning the French Open a month ago, defeating Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set final after saving three match points.
Alcaraz has looked unstoppable in his quest to become only the fifth man in the professional era to win three successive Wimbledon crowns, joining Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Djokovic.
He won both his previous matches against Fritz but this is the first time they have met at a grand slam and while Alcaraz will be heavy favourite, he will be wary of the 27-year-old American who is bidding to reach his second Grand Slam final in less than a year.
“I’m just feeling great, to be honest. Every match is different against different player. Every player bring different level into the match,” he said.
“It’s difficult to compare the level from previous year. But what can I say right now is just my confidence really high, to be honest. Just feeling great.
“I mean, as I said, it was the best match so far in the tournament. I don’t know if it has been the best match in the tournament that I play on grass or comparing to last year, for example. Just really pleased and happy that I’m playing such great tennis right now.”
Fritz, a 27-year-old from California, is eyeing his first grand slam title. He was the runner-up to Sinner at last year’s U.S. Open.
“I’m happy that we’re not playing at the French Open on clay with the French Open balls because that would be an absolute nightmare,” Fritz said following his quarter-final win over Karen Khachanov in which he dropped three points on his first serve in the opening two sets.
“I think grass is very much an equaliser. So trust in how I’m playing. I truly know the way that I played the first two sets (against Khachanov), there’s not much any opponent on the other side can do.”
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