Wimbledon 2025: Caslos Alcaraz shines after slow start to reach quarter-finals - 'One point can change everything'
Carlos Alcaraz surged into the
Wimbledon
quarter-finals on Sunday, showing flashes of brilliance after a rocky start to defeat Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The 22-year-old Spaniard, aiming for a third consecutive title at the All England Club, once again delivered under pressure to keep his title defence alive.
Alcaraz, who has looked vulnerable in the early rounds - dropping three sets in his first three matches - fell behind to the 14th-seeded Rublev under the Centre Court roof. But true to form, the five-time Grand Slam champion raised his level, thrilling fans with trademark shot-making and resilience.
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'I think I played intelligent and smart today against him, tactically,' Alcaraz said post-match.
'A really good match, which I'm really proud about.'
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He credited his belief and mental strength for the turnaround: 'One point can change the match completely, turn everything around. In tennis, you have to stay there all the time. Being strong mentally, to stay there. I knew that I was going to play better.'
Next up for Alcaraz is Britain's Cameron Norrie, who survived a five-set battle against Chile's Nicolas Jarry to become the last home hope at Wimbledon.
In the women's draw, top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run, defeating Elise Mertens 6-4, 7-6(4) to book a quarter-final spot against Germany's Laura Siegemund. 'With your support guys, I think everything is possible,' said Sabalenka, who has yet to lose a set this year.
Elsewhere, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova overcame Britain's Sonay Kartal in straight sets despite a controversial line-calling glitch that temporarily derailed her momentum.
Karen Khachanov and Taylor Fritz also advanced, the latter after Australian Jordan Thompson retired hurt.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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