Carlos Alcaraz's first match on a grass court came just six years ago.
He's obviously a quick study.
When Wimbledon gets started Monday, the 22-year-old from Spain will play in the first Centre Court match of this fortnight, an honor reserved for the previous year's men's champion . The contest against Fabio Fognini will open Alcaraz's a bid for a third consecutive championship at the place.
That's something only four men have achieved in the Open era, which began in 1968: Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic . Not bad company.
Alcaraz already is 5-0 in Grand Slam finals, which includes going 2-0 at the French Open - which he won three weeks ago via a comeback from two sets down against No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final - and 1-0 at the U.S. Open.