New Delhi: Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was made to sweat but eventually he found a way to conquer Andrey Rublev in his fourth round clash at Wimbledon.
The World No. 2 won 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Centre Court in what was the first top-20 clash of the men’s singles draw so far. It was Alcaraz’s 22nd successive tour-level victory.
The Spaniard dropped the opening set but then elevated his shot-making to secure a win in two hours and 43 minutes and enter the quarter-finals.
“Andrey is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful player that we have on Tour,” said Alcaraz, who next faces Cameron Norrie in the last eight stage.
“Without a doubt, with how aggressive he is to the ball, with that forehand, with those shots, it’s really difficult. To face him, you feel like he’s pushing you to the limit with every ball, [making you] run side to side.
“That makes it really difficult to face him, but I’m just really happy with the way I moved today. I think I played intelligently and smart today against him. Tactically it was a really good match, which I am really proud about.”
World No. 14 Rublev resisted Alcaraz in the opening exchanges but couldn’t stop prevent Alcaraz from claiming the only break in each of the second, third and fourth sets.
“I always say it’s just about belief in yourself. It doesn’t matter that you are one set to love down,” Alcaraz said.
“Tennis is a sport where it can change in just one point. One point can change the match completely and turn everything around, so you just have to stay there all the time. Be strong mentally.
“I knew that I was going to play better. In the first set it was a few points, so I just thought, ‘Keep it going, try to make the most of the chances he brings to me’.
“The break that I did in the second set turned everything around, and I just started to feel more comfortable and calmer, and I was thinking more clearly.”
Fritz advances as Thompson retires
Taylor Fritz moved to quarter-finals for the third time as his opponent Jordan Thompson retired midway with injury. The fifth-seed was ahead 6-1, 3-0 when Thompson decided to quit the match on No. 1 Court due to back pain.
American Fritz won a record fourth Eastbourne title before arriving at Wimbledon and the World No.5 ha to stay on court for only 40 minutes as a heavily-strapped Thompson struggled with a back problem.
“It is not the way I want to go through. I was really excited to play Jordan today. I was excited to play some good tennis and it is just sad,” Fritz said.
He has been battling. He has been playing five setters. He was out playing a long doubles match yesterday, so he has been battling out here and respect to him for coming out. His body is not right, so I feel bad for him and hope he feels better.”