Alcaraz subdues Fritz to reach third successive Wimbledon final

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in action during yesterday’s Wimbledon semi-final fixture (Photo credits: AFP)

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz reached his third successive Wimbledon final yesterday, battling to a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) win against American fifth seed Taylor Fritz.

Alcaraz survived a titanic clash lasting two hours and 49 minutes in searing temperatures on Centre Court.

As the mercury rose close to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), play was interrupted by several fans taken ill, but Alcaraz kept his cool to subdue the big-serving Fritz with his sublime returns and immaculate serving of his own.

The 22-year-old will play seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic or world number one Jannik Sinner in tomorrow’s final.

Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals and holds an 8-4 edge over Sinner in their 12 meetings.

Back to his best after an inconsistent start to the tournament, the world number two looks in the mood to extend his reign at the All England Club.

The five-time Grand Slam champion is on a career-best 24-match winning streak since losing to Holger Rune in the Barcelona final in April.

That blistering run has brought him an epic French Open final triumph against Sinner and titles in Rome, Monte Carlo and at Queen’s Club.

AFP