LONDON — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a stern test from Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, battling through a tense four-set match to secure his place in the fourth round of Wimbledon. The 21-year-old Spaniard, aiming for a third consecutive title at the All England Club, admitted afterward, "That was stressful."
Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from the big-serving Struff, winning 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 7-6(4) in a match that lasted over three hours on Centre Court. The victory keeps the young star on track to join an elite group of players who have won three straight Wimbledon titles in the Open Era, a feat last achieved by Novak Djokovic from 2018 to 2021.
A Battle of Nerves and Power
The match showcased Alcaraz's trademark blend of explosive shot-making and tactical adaptability, but Struff's relentless power and net-rushing tactics pushed the defending champion to his limits. The German, ranked No. 41 in the world, fired 25 aces and won 80% of points when he landed his first serve, keeping Alcaraz under constant pressure.
Key moments that defined the match:
- Alcaraz broke Struff in the ninth game of the first set with a stunning cross-court backhand pass
- Struff saved two set points at 5-6 in the second set before Alcaraz dominated the tiebreak
- The German fought back from 1-4 down in the third-set tiebreak to extend the match
- Alcaraz saved a break point at 4-4 in the fourth set with an audacious drop shot-lob combination
Alcaraz's Honest Admission
In his post-match interview, Alcaraz didn't hide his relief: "Jan is an amazing player with a huge serve and great volleys. Every time I face him, I know it's going to be a tough battle. Today was no different. I'm just happy to get through in the end."
The Spaniard's statistics told the story of a hard-fought victory:
- 52 winners to 35 unforced errors
- Won 74% of net approaches (25/34)
- Converted 2 of 5 break point opportunities
- Saved 4 of 5 break points faced
Struff's Valiant Effort
For Struff, this marked another near-miss against top competition at Wimbledon. The 34-year-old German, who reached the quarterfinals in 2023, showed why he's considered one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the draw. His aggressive tactics nearly paid off, particularly in the third set where he saved a match point at 5-6 before taking the tiebreak.
Struff reflected: "I gave everything out there today. Against Carlos, you have to take risks and go for your shots. I'm proud of how I competed, but he was just a bit better in the crucial moments."
Looking Ahead
Alcaraz will face either Ugo Humbert or Brandon Nakashima in the fourth round as he continues his title defense. The young champion acknowledged the road gets tougher from here: "Every match at Wimbledon is a challenge. I need to keep improving because the opponents will keep coming at me with their best tennis."
With this victory, Alcaraz extends his winning streak at Wimbledon to 13 matches. His last defeat at the All England Club came in the 2022 fourth round against Jannik Sinner. Since then, he's developed into one of the most complete grass-court players on tour, blending power with finesse in equal measure.
Tactical Adjustments Prove Crucial
Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, was seen frequently gesturing from the player's box, encouraging his charge to vary his return position against Struff's massive serve. This tactical adjustment paid dividends in the fourth set, where Alcaraz began standing further back to give himself more reaction time.
The defending champion also showed improved patience in rallies, waiting for the right moment to unleash his devastating forehand. "Against big servers like Jan, you have to stay calm and trust your return," Alcaraz explained. "I knew if I could get into the points, I'd have my chances."
The Road to Three in a Row
Only five men in the Open Era have won three consecutive Wimbledon titles:
- Björn Borg (1976-1980, five straight)
- Pete Sampras (1997-2000, four straight)
- Roger Federer (2003-2007, five straight)
- Novak Djokovic (2018-2021, three straight)
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz has the opportunity to join this exclusive club. His coach Ferrero believes the young star has the right mentality: "Carlos thrives under pressure. He loves these big moments on Centre Court. That's what makes champions different."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Alcaraz can maintain his level against increasingly tough opposition. With Djokovic and Sinner also advancing comfortably, the second week promises high-stakes drama at SW19.
For now, Alcaraz can enjoy a well-earned rest day before returning to action. As he left Centre Court to a standing ovation, the young Spaniard waved to the crowd with a mixture of relief and determination. The title defense continues, but this stern test from Struff served as a valuable reminder that nothing comes easy at Wimbledon.