Defending Champion Overcomes Early Struggles to Continue Title Defense
Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, battled past Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in a four-set thriller on Friday, winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to secure his place in the fourth round. The Centre Court crowd witnessed a match filled with power, tension, and momentum swings.
Uneven Start from Alcaraz Raises Questions
The Spaniard entered the match under pressure, having endured a five-set scare against Fabio Fognini in the opener and a straightforward win over Oliver Tarvet in the previous round. But fans remained unsure which version of Alcaraz would appear this time.
He began poorly, opening the match with a double fault and struggling with unforced errors. Despite the rocky start, the world No. 3 quickly found rhythm and settled into the contest.
First Set Ends in Alcaraz Dominance
After saving an early break point in his second service game, Alcaraz roared back. He broke Struff for a 3-1 lead, gained control of the set, and never looked back. A booming ace on set point sealed the opener in style, signaling his return to form.
Struff Strikes Back in the Second Set
However, the German was far from done. Struff, known for his aggressive style and powerful forehand, broke back early in the second set and controlled the baseline rallies. He rode the momentum and comfortably leveled the match, taking the set 6-3.
Alcaraz Regains Control in Third Set
Struff’s intensity dropped slightly in the third, and a double fault in the second game gave Alcaraz a crucial break. The Spaniard capitalized, dictating points with deep groundstrokes and tactical variety. He calmly closed the set 6-3, putting one foot in the next round.
Fourth Set Tension Peaks Before Alcaraz Closes Out
The fourth set was Alcaraz’s toughest. He was pushed to deuce in his first four service games, showing vulnerability. But the champion held firm. In the ninth game, Struff’s loose errors proved costly, handing Alcaraz the crucial break. He served out the match with a massive first serve, claiming his 21st consecutive tour-level victory.
Next Up: Alcaraz vs Rublev in Round of 16
Alcaraz now prepares to face Andrey Rublev, a seasoned opponent with big-match experience. The clash promises fireworks, with both players boasting explosive baseline games and strong mental toughness.
Khachanov Survives Five-Set Epic
Elsewhere, Karen Khachanov of Russia battled past Nuno Borges of Portugal in a dramatic five-set encounter. The match ended 7-6 (8), 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10) in favor of Khachanov, who displayed resilience and nerves of steel in the deciding set tiebreak.
Conclusion: Alcaraz Keeps Wimbledon Dream Alive
Though not at his peak, Carlos Alcaraz showed the champion’s heart that won him last year’s title. He fought through pressure, overcame lapses, and stepped up when it mattered most. With tougher challenges ahead, the young star remains a firm contender to defend his Wimbledon crown.
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Tags: Wimbledon 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, Jan-Lennard Struff, Grand Slam tennis, Wimbledon match report, Rublev vs Alcaraz, Khachanov match, ATP Tour news