The Spanish tennis prodigy has demonstrated a penchant for challenging conventional norms, surpassing expectations, and making history through his exceptional performances.
According to a report by CNN Sports, Alcaraz achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest year-end No. 1 in men's tennis history at the age of 19.
Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the youngest male player to secure victories in three grand slam tournaments across different surfaces.
He accomplished this milestone, namely in the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023, and the French Open in 2024 at the age of 21.
These impressive accomplishments are even commemorated on his skin.
As he embarks on defending his Wimbledon title, this aspiring champion is resolute in his pursuit of loftier goals.
During a conversation with CNN Sport at a Babolat event, he expressed his ambition to etch his name among the pantheon of tennis greats by aspiring to be one of the best in the sport's history.
“I want to be one of the best in history. I am dreaming that big.”
Babolat is the official partner and equipment provider of Wimbledon.
He explicitly stated his desire to be seated at the same revered table as the 'Big Three'—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, esteemed legends of the sport.
With his rapid accumulation of grand slam titles, it would be a daring move to underestimate his potential to ascend to the pinnacle of the tennis world.
Alcaraz begins his Wimbledon title defence against Estonia's Mark Lajal on Monday [today].
In addition to vying for consecutive titles on the SW19 grass courts, the 21-year-old stands to join the exclusive group of five male players in the Open Era.
These group of five players have accomplished the feat of winning both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season.
Regarding his return as the defending champion, he remarks, “obviously, it’s even more special coming [back] as a defending champion.”
He emphasizes his focus on continual improvement, aiming to give his best effort in every match without succumbing to thoughts of pressure or performance expectations.
Alcaraz reflects on his growing maturity and increased familiarity with grass court play this year, attributing these developments to his enriched experiences on this surface compared to the previous season.