Latest news with #Men'sSinglesFinal
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Fearless Alcaraz has third Wimbledon title in his sights
'When I'm playing without thinking about anything else, just playing or just thinking about the enjoyment. I've got that freedom to play whatever I like." Carlos Alcaraz kisses the Men's Singles Trophy following his victory in the Men's Singles Final against Novak Djokovic. Picture:Carlos Alcaraz believes conquering his fear factor has given him the confidence to chase a landmark third successive Wimbledon title. Alcaraz will start his Wimbledon defence against Fabio Fognini on Centre Court on Monday. The 22-year-old Spaniard is aiming to become just the fifth man to win at least three consecutive Wimbledon titles in the Open Era after Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz, who has beaten Djokovic in the past two finals at the All England Club, returns to Wimbledon on a career-best 18-match winning streak. The world number two knows the historic connotations of his title bid over the next fortnight, but he doesn't want to be distracted by talk of Wimbledon immortality. 'I'm coming here thinking that I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy, not thinking about how many players have won three Wimbledons in a row,' Alcaraz told reporters at the All England Club on Saturday. 'I'm just thinking about, 'Okay, I just want to be ready and just want to prepare myself in the best way possible'. 'Obviously I feel a lot of confidence right now. But I'm just thinking about going forward and starting the tournament. 'Two weeks can be really long in a Grand Slam. I'm not thinking about who I could join if I win three Wimbledons in a row.' Alcaraz warmed up for Wimbledon by winning the grass-court event at Queen's Club for the second time. That victory proved the five-time Grand Slam champion was up to speed on grass after his sensational run in the clay-court campaign. 'My best level' Alcaraz stormed back from two sets down and saved three match-points to beat world number one Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open final in June, securing a fifth successive victory against his Italian rival. He had already won titles on clay in Rome and Monte Carlo prior to his Roland Garros triumph. Alcaraz's last defeat came against Holger Rune in the Barcelona final in April and he believes the secret of his blistering run is playing without fear. 'Probably, yeah. When I'm playing without thinking about anything else, just playing or just thinking about the enjoyment. I've got that freedom to play whatever I like,' he said. 'When that happens, I always show my best tennis, my best level. So probably so far I'm feeling the most, let's say, freedom that I've played so far.' Alcaraz is at his best when he is relaxed mentally and he warmed up for Wimbledon by spending this week playing golf with former champion Andy Murray and dining in central London. 'For me it's as much important feeling great off the court as on the court. If I'm feeling bad or I'm feeling bored or feeling like I don't want to be in that place off the court, I'm not going to play good,' he said. 'It feels great to be back here in Wimbledon as the defending champion. It is really beautiful thinking about what happened last year. 'Just really excited about to start the tournament. Let's see how I go.'
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Summer is here and that means one thing, Wimbledon - order your preview today!
Summer is here and that means one thing, Wimbledon - order your preview today! The greatest tennis players in the world will descend on SW19 in July for two weeks of drama on the hallowed courts LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain with the Men's Singles Trophy following his victory in the Men's Singles Final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by) This Daily Mirror unofficial preview of the tournament is the perfect accompaniment to the action - along with strawberries and cream of course! You can order your copy online today, simply click here. We have features on all the leading contenders including Carlos Alcaraz - who is bidding for a hat-trick of Wimbledon wins - rival Jannik Sinner and legend Novak Djokovic. This year could be Djokovic's farewell to the All England Club, where he has won seven times. If he is to add to his tally of 24 Grand Slam titles, then these pristine lawns appear the most likely stage. But Alcaraz, fresh from his win over Jannik Sinner in a remarkable French Open final, is in no mood to surrender his title on a surface that perfectly suits his game. Sinner – whose Wimbledon record has room for improvement – may have to wait for his chance at revenge for the drama that unfolded at Roland Garros. Article continues below We take a look at the rise of new French Open champion Coco Gauff, and the mouthwatering rivalry between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Of the top five players in the current women's world rankings, only last year's beaten finalist, Italy's Jasmine Paolini, has reached the business end of these championships – and no one in the current top ten has ever won it. When they call this one 'wide open' they really mean it. Article continues below Of course, we look at the main British hopes led by Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, and we look back at that magical day when Andy Murray finally lifted that famous old trophy as the whole nation was glued to the TV. There is a spotlight on the doubles action and the wheelchair competitions, plenty of nostalgia, and a Wimbledon quiz for you to test your knowledge. So don't delay, get prepped for the great tennis tournament with this excelletnt preview - order yours today by clicking here.
