‘A beautiful sight': Why tennis – and Nike – can't get enough of Carlos Alcaraz

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

The dancing feet, explosive speed off the mark, raw power, skill, athleticism and dominance were all on show. There is a reason Nike has prioritised two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz like few other athletes on its books, and once again he is captivating London.
Alcaraz delivered his self-professed finest performance of this Wimbledon fortnight on Tuesday, demolishing local hero Cam Norrie, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, to reach another semi-final.
It was the continuation of his pursuit of a historic hat-trick of titles at the All England club that has already been spectacular.
Take Sunday, for example, when Spain's smiling assassin was locked at a set-all with Andrey Rublev in the fourth round. Alcaraz responded by doing Alcaraz things. Down break point in the third set, Rublev played almost perfectly. Almost was not good enough.
The Russian had crushed an inside-in forehand that pushed his rival back and forced him to perform his best impression of a gymnast, doing the splits to dig out a forehand.
It was go time for Rublev, who thrashed a backhand down the line, then rushed the net. There appeared few options, but Alcaraz saw an opportunity, sliding again, and with incredible leg strength, flexibility, arm control and skill, whipped a forehand passing shot for a magnificent winner.
'No way! Impossible!' was how one commentator captured the moment, followed by his calling colleague's equally bewildered take: 'What have you got to do? He [Rublev] couldn't have played a better point.'
Rublev briefly stared down the court in disbelief at Alcaraz. Ever the showman, Alcaraz threw his arms out, then pointed to his ear in a Novak Djokovic-like blatant request for appreciation.