Classy Alcaraz wins entertaining encounter with Struff to reach fourth round at Wimbledon
The Spaniard came through 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Jan-Lennard Struff to return to the last 16 at SW19
Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon, 2025 © SPP / Psnewz
Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz kept his ambitions for a third straight Wimbledon title well on track with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jan-Lennard Struff in a typically captivating performance.
It was an intriguing encounter all round. The German put in an impressive display of his own to keep the contest competitive and ensure Alcaraz needed to stay alert to the dangers that have left both the men’s and women’s field littered with fallen seeds.
No such fate was in store for the world No 2, however, who swept through the first set in swashbuckling fashion. After moving a break up in the second, Alcaraz was perhaps guilty of some complacency as Struff pounced upon a dip in level from his opponent to claw back the break before nudging ahead en route to winning the second set.
An opponent with considerable talent, Struff is always a potential threat to the leading names in the draw. But Alcaraz had another level to reach, and it was simply a joy for the Centre Court crowd to witness the standard Alcaraz was yet again able to elevate his game to.
Taking care of business tidily on his own service games despite considerable sustained pressure, there was a healthy mix of power, deft touch and aggressive returning to find a break across each of the final two sets and close the door on Struff’s commendable efforts.
alcaraz’s winning streaks continue
“I knew at the beginning it was going to be very, very difficult,” Alcaraz said of taking on the big-serving German.
“I think his game is suited very well to grass, big serves, approaching to the net as much as he can. I’m really pleased with everything I did today – fighting, running, making great shots.
“I tried to take opportunities he brought to me in match and just proud to get the win in four sets.”
Victory over Struff has now brought Alcaraz to 21 consecutive match wins – a run that stretches back to the final of the Barcelona Open back in April. He has also extended his winning streak at SW19 to 17 in a row.
While unexpected results have wreaked havoc on the seedings at this year’s tournament, Alcaraz continues to problem-solve his way out of perilous-looking situations.
And his aim for a third straight Wimbledon title remains well in his sights.
