Alcaraz Battles Past Struff to Reach Wimbledon Fourth Round

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz had to work hard again as he beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in four sets — 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 — to reach the fourth round on Friday.

The 22-year-old Spaniard started the tournament with a shaky five-set win over veteran Fabio Fognini, followed by a more confident win against Oliver Tarvet. But questions remained about which version of Alcaraz would show up on Centre Court.

Alcaraz started the match with a double fault and made several early mistakes. But he soon found his rhythm and fought hard to secure the win, setting up a fourth-round match against Andrey Rublev.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Alcaraz said. “Struff’s game works well on grass — big serves, coming to the net. I had to stay focused the whole time. I’m really happy with how I fought and made the most of my chances.”

Alcaraz saved two break points early in the first set and broke Struff’s serve to go up 3-1. He then finished the set with a powerful ace.

But the match turned in the second set. Alcaraz lost focus, and Struff, taking advantage of the slower pace and shadows on the court, fought back to win the set and level the match.

In the third set, Struff hit a double fault early, giving Alcaraz the break he needed. The Spaniard regained control and stayed strong to take the set.

“Every service game was stressful,” Alcaraz admitted. “I was constantly under pressure, just trying to survive.”

In the fourth set, Alcaraz faced more pressure on his serve but held on. He finally broke Struff in the ninth game, taking advantage of a missed volley by the German, and served out the match.

“He missed that volley… I still can’t believe I’m standing here with a 6-4 win,” Alcaraz said with relief.

The win marks Alcaraz’s 21st straight tour-level victory, and he remains one of the top contenders for the Wimbledon title.