Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, electrified Centre Court on July 4, 2025, as he powered past German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff in a thrilling third-round clash at the All England Club. The 22-year-old Spaniard, riding a career-best 21-match win streak, overcame a spirited challenge to secure a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, advancing to the fourth round and keeping his dream of a third consecutive Wimbledon title alive. The match, a two-hour, 25-minute battle, showcased Alcaraz’s resilience, flair, and growing mastery on grass, cementing his status as a formidable force in a tournament rocked by early upsets.
Alcaraz entered Wimbledon 2025 in scintillating form, having clinched five titles this season, including the French Open, Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Queen’s Club. His third-round duel with Struff, ranked No. 125 but a dangerous grass-court player, was anything but straightforward. “I knew it was going to be difficult,” Alcaraz admitted post-match. “He has big serves, approaches the net, and I am really pleased with everything I had done today.” The Spaniard started with a blistering 6-1 first set, breaking Struff twice with aggressive baseline play and pinpoint returns. His 10 aces and 38 winners underscored his dominance, but Struff, who upset No. 25 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round, fought back fiercely. “I was suffering in every service game I did today,” Alcaraz said. “Love 30, break points down. It was stressful.”
The second set saw Struff find his rhythm, landing four aces and breaking Alcaraz twice to level the match at 6-3. The German’s powerful serve and net approaches tested Alcaraz’s resolve, reminiscent of their five-set clash at Wimbledon 2022. However, Alcaraz regained control in the third set, capitalizing on three double faults from Struff to secure an early break and a 6-3 win. The fourth set was a tense affair, with Alcaraz saving two break points in the third game and seizing a crucial break at 4-4 with a stunning backhand volley that sent the Centre Court crowd into a frenzy. “I am proud to get the win in four sets,” he said, highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure.
Alcaraz’s victory extends his Wimbledon win streak to 17 matches, a testament to his grass-court prowess. His 2025 season, with a 45-5 record, includes a historic French Open win over Jannik Sinner, and he now aims to join Bjorn Borg as the second man to win consecutive Roland Garros-Wimbledon doubles. “I tried to make the opportunities he gave to me in the match,” Alcaraz noted, crediting his tactical adjustments. His next challenge is a fourth-round showdown with No. 14 seed Andrey Rublev, who dispatched Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 2-1, but their first grass-court meeting promises fireworks.
The Spaniard’s journey has not been without challenges. A grueling five-set opener against Fabio Fognini pushed him to the brink, but he rebounded with a clinical 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round. “I found the right way to try and enjoy after every match,” Alcaraz said, emphasizing his focus on staying present. His ability to navigate pressure, combined with his explosive groundstrokes and deft net play, has drawn comparisons to tennis’s all-time greats. Fans on social media buzzed with excitement, with one tweeting, “Carlitos is unstoppable! That backhand volley was pure magic!” as clips of his highlights trended.
Wimbledon 2025 has been chaotic, with 36 seeded players exiting early, including Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz, however, remains a beacon of stability, chasing a sixth title this season and a potential third straight Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic. As he prepares for Rublev, Alcaraz’s blend of youthful energy and champion’s mentality makes him the man to beat, proving once again why he’s the heart of tennis’s new era.
Leave a Reply