Fearless Carlos Alcaraz has third Wimbledon title in his sights

LONDON – Carlos Alcaraz believes conquering his fear factor has given him the confidence to chase a landmark third successive Wimbledon title.

He will start his Wimbledon defence against Italian Fabio Fognini on Centre Court on June 30.

The 22-year-old Spaniard is aiming to become just the fifth man to win at least three straight Wimbledon titles in the Open Era, after Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz, who has beaten Djokovic in the past two finals at the All England Club, returns to Wimbledon on a career-best 18-match winning streak.

The world No. 2 knows the historic connotations of his title bid over the next fortnight, but he does not want to be distracted by talk of Wimbledon immortality.

“I’m coming here thinking that I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy, not thinking about how many players have won three Wimbledons in a row,” Alcaraz told reporters at the All England Club on June 28.

“I’m just thinking about, ‘Okay, I just want to be ready and just want to prepare myself in the best way possible’.

“Obviously, I feel a lot of confidence right now. But I’m just thinking about going forward and starting the tournament.

“Two weeks can be really long in a Grand Slam. I’m not thinking about who I could join if I win three Wimbledons in a row.”

Alcaraz warmed up for Wimbledon by winning the grass-court event at Queen’s Club for the second time. That title proved the five-time Grand Slam champion was up to speed on grass after his sensational run in the clay-court campaign.

Alcaraz stormed back from two sets down and saved three match points to beat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open final on