Alcaraz has passed a great test. The defending champion was tested by American Tiafoe

The Wimbledon third round match was a proper test for the defending champion from last year. Carlos Alcaraz challenged the American Tiafoe. And he proved to be an even tougher opponent than expected.

• Tiafoe took the first set against Alcaraz
• The American made his presence known a few days ago by insulting his opponent
• The Spaniard eventually turned the match around and won 2: 1

Alcaraz entered the match as the favourite. But Tiafoe made his presence felt during this year’s Wimbledon with his not-so-flattering comments about his opponents.

It all started slowly. Alcaraz was the first tennis player to receive his opponent’s serve. The Spaniard was leading 4: 2 and there was no indication that he would be in big trouble.

But Tiafoe dominated the second half of the opening set, winning five of the six games to take the opening set 7:5. Alcaraz – Tiafoe 0:1

The defending champion had an excellent second set. Alcaraz made only four unforced errors, won 6:2 and tied the match at 1:1.

The third set showcased Tiafoe’s tremendous power on serve. Thanks to the high return of his first serve, he did not face a single break point and the set became his prey.

Alcaraz had nowhere to retreat and the fourth set proved to be the most evenly matched passage of Friday’s match. It eventually ended in a tiebreak that showed the immense strength of Alcaraz.

The current world number three won the vital tiebreak with ease, allowing his opponent only two points. The third round of Wimbledon was heading into the deciding set.

The battle for everything

Alcaraz entered the fifth set with a distinct statistical advantage at his back. In fact, he had won eleven of his twelve five-set matches so far.

After an even opening set, Alcaraz got a break point at 2:1. Tiafoe was at the net and let the Spaniard’s shot fly past him. But it came down to the baseline and a very important break was on the cards.

The American looked considerably less fresh than the favourite in these moments. Alcaraz was on top and soon broke his opponent’s serve again. The deciding set ended up being the shortest part of this match.

Alcaraz will play his third Wimbledon eight-final. He will challenge either France’s Humbert or another American, Nakashima.

Source: ATP, Wimbledon