Alcaraz Extends 21-Match Run, Reaches Wimbledon Round of 16

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Wimbledon round of 16 after overcoming Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Friday. The Spaniard recovered from a second-set lapse, striking 34 winners and saving six of eight break points in a two-hour-25-minute contest that stretched his winning run at the All England Club to 17 matches and his overall streak to 21.

The 22-year-old had endured a gruelling opener earlier in the week, spending four hours and 37 minutes to subdue 38-year-old Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 on Wimbledon’s hottest recorded opening day. He steadied in the second round, dispatching British qualifier Oliver Tarvet 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to post his 20th consecutive Tour victory.

Alcaraz arrived in London in sparkling form after claiming his second Queen’s Club crown on 22 June, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 for his fifth title of 2025 and the 21st of his career. The triumph completed a clay-to-grass double following his successful Roland Garros defence and served as the launchpad for his current streak.

The Murcian will meet No. 14 seed Andrey Rublev on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 2-1 but the pair have never played on grass, adding intrigue to the next step in his bid to become the fifth man in the Open Era to win three straight Wimbledon titles.