In a spectacular match on Centre Court at Wimbledon, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed, defeated American Frances Tiafoe, the 29th seed, 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach the fourth round.
The pair last played at the 2022 US Open in the semifinals, and the match also went five sets and Alcaraz’s way, and was Tiafoe’s deepest run ever in a major.
In his press conference after the match, the Spaniard said: “Yeah, yeah, really happy obviously about my winning today. I think I played a really great tennis. It was a very close match. Obviously, Frances really big opponent, but really happy to get the win at the end.
“Well, I think for me was a lot of up and downs in the match. Was a break up in the first set, then few mistakes in my game serves. Yeah, after that, played a really good second set. But then in the third set again, few mistakes in my game with serves.
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“It was really important to stay there in the fourth set, for example, just to keep fighting, to keep trying to play better in the fourth set just to give myself the chance to be alive in the match.
“But yeah, I had to be better in that side, yeah, try to not make as much up and downs as I did today.”
When asked if it was Tiafoe making him have those ups and downs or if he was just having trouble finding his rhythm, Alcaraz said: “Well, the up and downs is not about the opponent. It’s just about yourself. Obviously if the opponent is playing a great tennis and doesn’t let you to get the good rhythm, is even tougher.
“But if I’m not feeling well or if I’m not playing at a high level, you have to stay strong mentally just to keep fighting and try to get the good rhythm. Once you get it, try not to be down again.
“That’s what I have to improve. I played a really good second set. In the third set, as I said, some games that I didn’t play my best. I just got down my level a little bit. I had just not to let that happen, and stay in let’s say a high level of intensity, high level of focus during the whole match.”
In his post-match press conference, Tiafoe said: “Yeah, I think I can take nothing but positives. Going in, I wasn’t even sure of playing, and then I do what I did.
“So, a lot of firsts. First time playing on Centre Court. First time coming back two sets to love. So, I have those couple things in my bag. Just understanding what competing does and just kind of get out of your own way and just battling and putting my whole game on display.
“I mean, just biggest thing I can take away is just enjoying the game and what that does for me. When I’m in that state, I play so much better, I play so much freer. That’s the biggest thing I can take.
“Hopefully I do that in the summer and maximize all the weeks I have going into the Open.”
When asked about what was said in his exchange with Alcaraz at the net at the end of the match, Tiafoe said: “Just ultimate respect. Him just saying, ‘It’s good to see you play like that.’ Me just saying, ‘I can’t stand you (smiling).’
“No, but I mean, I told him to go for another great run, and all the best going forward. He was repeating saying that you are one of the best players in the world. That’s kind of what he said. That’s all that was.
“But, yeah, I mean, I got a lot of respect for Carlos.”
