Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz staged a commanding comeback to defeat Russia’s Andrey Rublev and book his place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, where he will face British hope Cameron Norrie.
Alcaraz, the reigning champion, moved a step closer to becoming only the fifth man in the Open Era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles with a 6-7(5-7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory under the Centre Court roof.
The 22-year-old Spaniard claimed his only break point opportunities in both the second and third sets to turn the match around. A single break once again made the difference in the fourth set, as Rublev’s resistance finally faded after two hours and 44 minutes of high-quality tennis.
Alcaraz, who has now extended his career-best winning streak to 22 matches, remains unbeaten in his last 18 outings at the All England Club.
“It’s All About Belief” – Alcaraz
Speaking in his post-match interview, world No. 2 Alcaraz credited his resilience for the turnaround.
“It is just about belief in yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re a set down,” he said. “Tennis can change in one point. One point can change a match completely. You have to stay there all the time and be strong mentally.”
Looking ahead to his quarter-final clash against home favourite Norrie, Alcaraz added:
“Every time I step on this beautiful court is a gift, so I have to make the most of it. Cam is playing great, I know him well. It’s going to be tough, but I’m excited.”
Rublev Fights, But Alcaraz Rises
In their first-ever head-to-head meeting, 14th seed Rublev made an aggressive start, breaking to love and snatching the opening set in a tense tie-break. The Russian, known for his fiery temperament, showed greater composure and mental control throughout—a sign of his efforts to close the gap to the top.
However, a costly double fault in the second set handed Alcaraz the opening he needed. From there, the Spaniard seized the momentum. Rublev threatened a break in the third set with three chances, but Alcaraz held firm, responding with a dazzling winner that brought the crowd to its feet.
A fourth-set break in the fifth game proved decisive, and although Rublev fought valiantly—saving multiple break points—Alcaraz calmly served out the match.
Andrey Rublev celebrates winning the first set against Alcaraz
Rublev reflected on his performance with optimism:
“I’m learning to be more kind to myself. That’s why I was able today to be super positive, to fight until the end without saying a word,” he said. “The level is there. It’s just about details now. If I can maintain this level, then something good will happen.”
Fritz’s “Extreme” Superstition Fuels Wimbledon Run
Meanwhile, American No. 1 Taylor Fritz is also through to the last eight after a routine victory over Australia’s Jordan Thompson, who retired due to injury while trailing 6-1, 3-0.
Fritz, who reached his first Grand Slam final at the 2024 US Open, said an “extreme level” of superstition around his off-court routines is helping power his performance at Wimbledon.
“I’m superstitious in a way that revolves around my routine. Everything I do is exactly the same—the way I eat, how I organise my clothes, when I shower,” Fritz said.
“I don’t change a winning formula. Repeating my routines gives me confidence.”
Taylor Fritz has won only one of his five quarter-final matches at Grand Slam tournaments
The 27-year-old, who won pre-Wimbledon titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, will face Russian 17th seed Karen Khachanov next. Khachanov eased into the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 win over Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak.
