Wimbledon has become the next objective for Novak Djokovic, the player told reporters on a recent Saturday. Within a day, Carlos Alcaraz stepped into the spotlight, accepting the challenge with a similar focus. The aspiration remains clear: a potential final showdown against Djokovic, a moment both players know would represent a pinnacle. The path to the championship is demanding, and the Serbian star emphasized that his attention is fixed on his conditioning, his mental preparation, and his game, as he returns to the famous arena where he once bid farewell to a champion earlier this week.
An Argentine is set to be the first guest on the centennial court at the All England Club in London. Pedro Cachin will open the campaign, while Alcaraz is scheduled to face the French player on Tuesday. Jeremy Chardy had already announced his intent to retire after that match. The stage is set for two intriguing late-entry battles, with both players poised to deliver a compelling performance.
A reward for pleasure
It is seen as a rare gift to be on Wimbledon’s sacred ground, a moment that can feel like a reward rather than fate—a chance to enjoy the experience fully. A seasoned observer noted that Djokovic’s presence on the courts lays a special groundwork, a reminder of the unique opportunity these players have to showcase their talent at a historic tournament. The evaluation came from a well-known former player who has known the Argentine closely since relocating to Barcelona years ago, a person who has mentored him and now views him as a younger brother in the sport.
Djokovic remains the frontrunner, and defeating him is no easy task.
At 28 years old, he has already tasted top-tier success on the grass and in major championships. He will play his first tour match on this surface at Wimbledon, continuing his long career across multiple Grand Slams. Observers describe Djokovic as the clear favorite, a formidable challenger for any opponent, a standing confirmed by his recent appearances and the expectation that his form will be crucial at the tournament’s outset.
Attention on the court
Alcaraz was seen working on the practice court, wearing a protective bandage on the right thigh after reporting discomfort in the groin during the Queen’s final against Australia. The top seed has taken a few days of rest and even canceled two exhibition appearances as a precaution. He declared that he feels strong and energized, explaining that the bandage is a preventive measure rather than a sign of current pain. The plan is to balance maintenance with enough intensity to prepare for potentially long five-set matches, drawing from lessons learned in earlier clashes with Djokovic at Roland Garros.
Alcaraz expressed confidence in his ability to challenge Djokovic on the grass. He highlighted Djokovic as a master of the surface, noting how difficult it is to uncover weaknesses in his game. The Spaniard also referenced the success he enjoyed at Queen’s as a confidence boost, adding that his playing style suits fast, short-point exchanges on grass. He is hopeful that his approach will translate into a competitive edge against the field.
Believing in Federer
While in London, Alcaraz continued to study footage of the sport’s best grass players, including Roger Federer. The young champion remarked on the elegance and rhythm Federer displays, admitting that sometimes it feels impossible to match such grace. The focus remains on learning and drawing inspiration to refine his own lawn-court game.
The upcoming schedule includes a match for Alcaraz against a high-caliber Russian opponent, with several other seeded players ready to test themselves as the tournament advances. The lineup also features a number of notable Spanish players and other rising stars, all aiming to make a strong impression on the grass-court stage. The anticipation around the event is high, with fans eager to see who will rise to the occasion and claim a place among Wimbledon’s most memorable moments.