There’s something about summer at Wimbledon that just feels magical.
The clink of Pimm’s glasses, the scent of fresh-cut grass, and the soft thwack of tennis balls echoing across Centre Court.
And right now, nobody brings that magic to life quite like Carlos Alcaraz.
On a sizzling afternoon in SW19, where even spectators wilted under the sun and needed medics to escort them out under purple and green umbrellas, Alcaraz stood tall and composed.
With poise beyond his 22 years, he secured a third straight trip to the Wimbledon final — and notched up his 24th consecutive win since April.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit Wimbledon this summer, he’s it.
The Shot That Sealed It
It was a backhand — not just any backhand, but a rocket up the line — that wrapped up a fourth-set tiebreak and sent Alcaraz into the final.
With that single shot, the afternoon’s drama ended.
He’s on the brink of something extraordinary: three Wimbledon titles before turning 23.
To put that in perspective, not even Roger Federer managed the feat that young.
And this is Wimbledon, where Federer is still the unofficial king in the eyes of many (apologies, Andy Murray fans).
Five Slam Finals, Five Wins
Whether or not you’re already on Team Alcaraz, the facts speak for themselves.
He’s reached five Grand Slam finals — and won every single one. That’s not just talent, that’s rare brilliance.
Friday’s semifinal against American Taylor Fritz might not have been a wild, nerve-shredding thriller, but it was a masterclass in controlled aggression and grass-court elegance.
Serving Surprises and Net Mastery
Alcaraz isn’t known for his serving, but on this occasion, he was firing on all cylinders.
One second serve in particular bounced high like it was launched from a trampoline.
His net game? A thing of beauty.
Soft hands, perfect placement, and volleys that felt like tributes to the golden era of serve-and-volley tennis.
Andre Agassi, watching on for the BBC, captured the vibe perfectly: “He’s seeing things in slow motion.”
The Crowd Was All In
Though there were a few empty seats scattered among the rows, there was no doubt about who the crowd wanted to see win. Fritz, big-serving and focused, opened strong.
But Alcaraz’s first point — a stunning drop shot — drew roars of approval.
From that moment, the atmosphere felt electric.
Both men played with urgency, keeping rallies brisk and the rhythm lively.
Fritz stayed quiet throughout, composed and determined, while Alcaraz let out the occasional grunt, nothing too theatrical.
A Tense and Brilliant Finish
The real drama came in that fourth-set tiebreak.
Fritz pushed hard, earning two set points and clawing back five points in a row.
At 6ft 5in, the Californian was a wall, unflinching and relentless.
But Alcaraz found another gear when it mattered most.
He edged it 8-6, sealing the win before things could stretch into a fifth set.
A Dream Still Alive
Afterward, Alcaraz was glowing — not just from the heat, but from the joy of victory.
“It was a really difficult match,” he said.
“Really hot conditions. I’m just happy I won in four sets and saved those two set points. I’m proud of how calm I stayed.”
You could hear the gratitude in his voice when he talked about Wimbledon: “This is my dream, stepping on these beautiful courts at the most beautiful tournament in the world.”
And as for the final on Sunday? Alcaraz isn’t looking too far ahead.
“I just want to think about this moment,” he smiled.
That’s fair — because moments like these don’t come around often.