Why Wimbledon Loves The Spanish!
Wimbledon
July 11, 2024
ALCARAZ
Wimbledon has loved the Spanish for many decades. And following the retirement of the great Rafael Nadal, we have taken a new adopted Spanish son to our hearts. Carlos Alcaraz has captured the imagination ever since his extraordinary victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2023. No one expected him to repeat the feat at Wimbledon 2024 in such a mesmeric and commanding fashion.
“Carlitos” couldn’t quite make it a hat-trick against Jannik Sinner in 2025. But he did play his part in a marvellous final.
Now the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry is set to become the greatest phenomenon of the modern game – and Wimbledon itself
We can’t wait to welcome annual finalist Alcaraz and all his enthusiastic followers back to Wimbledon 2026.
Even Spain’s King Felipe VI was a distinguished guest on Centre Court in 2025. How about you this time around?
Like everyone else, we look forward to Carlitos setting Wimbledon 2026 alight with his brilliance and fun-loving approach to our beautiful sport.
Alcaraz is just as grateful for Centre Court and Wimbledon as we are for him. At the 2025 Championships he said: ‘Playing in this tournament on this court is a gift. I always try to make the most of this beautiful atmosphere. Every time I step on this beautiful court, it’s a gift.’
Spectators will surely feel the same way at Wimbledon 2026!
NADAL
What a wonderful job Alcaraz is doing as he follows in the footsteps of the legendary Nadal. Rafa gifted Wimbledon arguably its most dramatic final – his victory over Roger Federer as the light faded in 2008. He also won the title two years later, even though grass was never his favourite surface.
Before that, only Manolo Santana among Spanish men had won Wimbledon, back in 1966.
Conchita Martinez shocked strong favourite Martina Navratilova to take the women’s title in 1994. And Garbine Muguruza, the statuesque Spanish-Venezualan defeated the great Venus Williams in the 2017 final. Can Paula Badosa repeat this difficult feat one year? Or will a new Spanish star emerge?
Whatever happens, Wimbledon’s love affair with Spain will remain intense. You even trained our own great champion, Sir Andy Murray in Barcelona!
“Carlitos” Alcaraz will ensure that love affair continues to burn bright for decades.
Come and see for yourself!