Alcaraz ready to mark his era with third title in a row

But Sinner, Djokovic and Draper all stand in his way as leading men take the stage with epic battles on the cards

- Tumaini Carayol

In the days after his victory at Queen's Club a week ago, a win that had maintained perfectly the momentum he had built with his French Open triumph, Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed his two days of rest to the fullest. He spent his time away from the court wisely, playing golf with Andy Murray, strolling through central London and seeking out good food and good vibes. Then, on Wednesday, he returned to work with his sights on a singular goal.

A year that had started off for Alcaraz with such turbulent, challenging results now seemingly positions him at the height of his powers. After struggling initially with the elevated pressure and scrutiny during Jannik Sinner's anti-doping ban, along with the weight that comes with his immense achievements, Alcaraz will begin his title defence at Wimbledon against Fabio Fognini today playing great tennis, enjoying himself and content with life on and off the court.

Should he convert his ascendant form into another triumph at Wimbledon, Alcaraz would elevate his status to even greater heights. At just 22, he is seeking to become only the fifth man in the open era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles, which would mark the start of a true era at the All England Club. He would also become the fourth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back on multiple occasions in the open era, after Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal.