Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz kept his title defence alive with a hard-fought four-set victory over Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon.
The world No. 2 came through another testing contest, showcasing moments of brilliance to seal a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win on Centre Court.
Alcaraz, 22, is chasing a third consecutive Wimbledon title but has yet to fully hit his stride at this year’s Championships. He was pushed to five sets in the opening round by veteran Fabio Fognini, and although he eased past wildcard Ollie Tarvet in round two, he again faced a strong challenge on Friday night.
“I knew it was going to be difficult,” said the Spaniard. “Struff has a big serve and comes to the net a lot, so I’m really pleased with everything I did today. It was stressful. I suffered in every set and I’m proud to get through in four.”
Alcaraz began brightly, racing through the opening set in under 30 minutes, dropping just one game. But Struff, ranked 125th in the world, responded with greater accuracy and firepower in the second, firing four aces and breaking Alcaraz twice to level the match.
The German’s level dipped in the third, allowing Alcaraz to capitalise on three double faults early in the set and maintain control to regain the lead.
The fourth set was tightly contested, but the reigning champion held his nerve. A stunning backhand volley helped him break at 4-4, and he served out the match emphatically to seal his place in the last 16.
Next up for Alcaraz is 14th seed Andrey Rublev, who dispatched Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.
Fritz’s Wimbledon Grind Continues With Third Gruelling Win
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz continued his marathon run at Wimbledon, coming through another lengthy battle to book a spot in the fourth round.
The 13th seed defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 in a match that, despite finishing in four sets, extended his time on court well beyond three hours for the third consecutive round.
“I did a lot more side-to-side running in the heat, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I wake up sore,” Fritz said after the win. “But overall, I’m feeling good.”
Fritz will face Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the last 16. Thompson reached this stage of Wimbledon for the first time in his career after a 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Italy’s Luciano Darderi.
Jarry Ends Fonseca’s Run, Sets Up Norrie Clash
Elsewhere, Chile’s Nicolas Jarry ended the spirited run of Brazilian teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in four sets.
Jarry prevailed 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) in an all-South American third-round clash and will now face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the fourth round.
Fonseca, 17, captured the hearts of many with his fearless performances and vocal fan support, but Jarry’s consistency proved decisive on the day.