Carlos Alcaraz overcomes slump to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

NEW DELHI: Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday despite experiencing a concerning dip in form during his match. The Spanish world number three prevailed over France's Ugo Humbert, ranked 16th, in four sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5.
This victory secures Alcaraz's ninth appearance in the last eight of a Grand Slam tournament, an impressive feat considering he has only participated in 14 majors.
However, Alcaraz's path to the quarter-finals was not without its challenges. The match against Humbert marked another unsettling performance for the young Spaniard, who had previously required five sets to overcome Frances Tiafoe in the third round.
Throughout the encounter, Alcaraz struggled with consistency, conceding his serve five times and committing an uncharacteristic 33 unforced errors, which contributed to his mid-match slump.
Despite these difficulties, Alcaraz demonstrated resilience and determination to secure his place in the next round, keeping his hopes of capturing a fourth Grand Slam title alive.
The 21-year-old Alcaraz is on a mission to accomplish a rare feat achieved by only five men before him: winning the French Open and Wimbledon consecutively. In his latest match, Alcaraz showcased his resilience and skill, navigating through a challenging encounter against his opponent.
The first set went smoothly for Alcaraz, as he comfortably secured it under the protection of the Centre Court roof. However, the second set proved to be a crucial turning point when he successfully fended off four break points in the fifth game, maintaining his composure under pressure.
Despite Alcaraz's strong start, his opponent mounted a remarkable comeback in the third set. Alcaraz's game temporarily faltered, allowing his rival to break his serve three times and claim the set.
The fourth set was a closely contested battle, with Alcaraz struggling to maintain his breaks and facing three break points in the eighth game, which he managed to save, keeping the score level at 4-4.
In a decisive moment, Alcaraz's left-handed opponent lost his focus, conceding a crucial service break in the 11th game. Seizing this opportunity, Alcaraz swiftly closed out the match, securing his place in the next round of the tournament.