Carlos Alcaraz has issued a warning to his rivals at Wimbledon after saying his level is increasing day by day.
The defending champion booked his place in the third round on Wednesday with a 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2, win over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic. Somebody who he last played at the age of 17 in the qualifying rounds at the 2020 French Open. It is the third time he has reached the last 32 at SW19 in as many years and it is his 54th Grand Slam win.
Coming into this year’s Grand Slam, there questions were raised about Alcaraz’s form. At Queen’s, he suffered a shock second round loss to British No.1 Jack Draper.
“I’m really happy with the level that I played today. I’m feeling that I’m getting better and better every day.” He said following his latest win.
“I practised on grass, playing matches. So I’m really happy about the way that I played and hopefully keep improving, getting higher.”
With three major titles already under his belt, Alcaraz is aiming to be the ninth man in the Open Era to win back-to-back Wimbledon titles and the first player outside of the Big Three to do so since Pete Sampras. A Challenge the Spaniard seems to be relishing.
“I’ve been in this position before as defending champion in a Grand Slam. Last year in the US Open, I felt not too much pressure. I try not to think about it.” Alcaraz explained.
“This year in Wimbledon, it’s the same feeling. It’s special to play as a defending champion. I try not to think about the pressure that I have to win it again. I just try to think about every day, every match, every practice, trying to be better.”
The next challenge awaiting Alcaraz will be Frances Tiafoe, who is currently in the middle of a resurgence in his game. The American dropped only 10 games in his latest match against former top 20 payer Borna Coric. It is the first time he has won consecutive matches at an ATP event since April when he reached the final in Houston.
Both players have a lot of admiration for each other but on the court, it will be a different scenario.
“I have a really good relationship with a lot of players behind the scenes. But once you step on the court, they’re not friends.” Alcaraz states.
“You have to focus on yourself and try to beat him. That’s how tennis works.
“Frances is a great player and a great person as well. He always smiles. He always seems like he’s enjoying his time on the court and off the court as well. It’s pretty impressive.”
Alcaraz’s head-to-head with Tiafoe is currently tied at 1-1. Their last meeting was back in 2022.
