Young tennis star Alcaraz avoids Wimbledon exit

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz avoided a bitter disappointment in the third round of the All England Tennis Championships in Wimbledon on Friday. The Spanish tennis star defeated the American Frances Tiafoe in five sets and after 3 hours and 50 minutes at the grass tournament in London with 5:7, 6:2, 4:6, 7:6(2), 6:2 and thus avoided an early exit.

On the Centre Court, Alcaraz showed a disappointing performance at times with the roof closed and had to make up a set deficit twice. After 3 hours and 50 minutes, the 21-year-old still prevailed and is now in the round of 16. In this match he will face Ugo Humbert (FRA-16) or Brandon Nakashima (USA). This match, like others, had to be interrupted for a long time due to rain.

Alcaraz’s second triumph at Wimbledon remains possible. A year ago, Alcaraz impressed with his final victory over Serbian record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.

Previously, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, seeded number 10, had already made it into the round of 16 with a three-set victory over France’s veteran Gael Monfils, and number 12 Tommy Paul (USA), also without losing a set, had also made it to the round of 16 over Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan.

Paolini in good shape

In the women’s competition, French Open surprise finalist Jasmine Paolini from Italy showed that she is also in good shape on grass. She is in the round of 16 after a 7:6(4),6:1 win over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu (CAN). Paolini had already made it to the round of 16 in Melbourne. The fact that an Italian has reached at least the round of 16 in each of the first three major tournaments is a first in the country’s history.

And from an Austrian perspective, there was still reason to celebrate: Sebastian Ofner, who was eliminated in the first round of singles in five sets, defeated Alejandro Tabilo (COL) and his partner Diego Hidalgo (COL) 7:5,6:4 in the doubles alongside Sam Weissborn. Their next opponents are Sebastian Baez/Dustin Brown (ARG/JAM).