Carlos Alcaraz secured a hard-fought victory over Tommy Paul in four sets on Tuesday to advance to the Wimbledon semifinals. Despite dropping the first set, the defending champion displayed resilience and determination to clinch a 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2 win at southwest London's Court No. 1.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenging start, likening the early exchanges to clay court play with extended rallies. However, he credited his mental strength for staying focused and eventually finding his rhythm to turn the match in his favor.
Alcaraz is now set to face No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, setting up a rematch of their last year's semifinal clash. Medvedev, who overcame world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set encounter, will pose a formidable challenge for the young Spaniard.
Paul, the American No. 12 seed, showcased impressive form throughout the tournament, reaching his furthest stage at a grand slam with a quarterfinal appearance. Despite a strong start against Alcaraz, Paul struggled to contain the Spaniard's relentless pressure, particularly on his serve, leading to a series of crucial breaks in the latter stages of the match.
Alcaraz's ability to stay composed and find solutions during challenging moments on court proved pivotal in his victory. The 21-year-old emphasized his belief in his comeback abilities, highlighting his confidence in overcoming adversity and adapting to his opponent's game.
Looking ahead to the semifinal showdown with Medvedev, Alcaraz will draw on his previous success at Wimbledon, where he dominated their encounter last year to secure a spot in the final. With both players in top form, the upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling battle of skill and determination on the prestigious grass courts of Wimbledon.
