Wimbledon – Carlos Alcaraz dismisses Matteo Berrettini in four sets to join the quarters

The shock of these knockout stages of Wimbledon 2023 between Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini was expected, and the world number one emerged victorious from this showdown. In 2h51 and four sets disputed on the central court (3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3), the Murcian finally offered himself the scalp of the finalist of the tournament during the 2021 edition. As the game progressed, the Spaniard qualified for the first time in the quarter-finals of the English Grand Slam tournament, where he would face the other great hope of world tennis: Holger Rune.

Today at the top of the ATP rankings, Carlos Alcaraz had not won any grass tournament until three weeks ago. Winner at Queen’s, the Spaniard obtained the status of world number one and a first prestigious victory on grass. This Monday evening, the defending champion at the US Open is one of eight quarter-finalists present at Wimbledon after a tactical demonstration against Berrettini. Considered out of shape before starting his fortnight in London, the Roman had not conceded any break until meeting the Iberian phenomenon. Beaten with honors, the Italian can be proud of this successful comeback. For Alcaraz, the dream of winning a second Grand Slam tournament continues.

Berrettini lost reliability on serve

However, Berrettini left with a psychological advantage against Alcaraz: he had won the only duel in three winning sets last year in Melbourne, after a long battle in five sets. In great confidence, the Transalpin offered the first set in 43 minutes thanks to a break in the eighth game. Behind, his service did not waver (6-3). Jostled, Alcaraz was able to react in a good way by lengthening the exchanges. Back on the circuit for a month and with only five games left, Berrettini lacked the stamina to upset his opponent in the long run.

In the fourth game of the second set, Alcaraz finally managed to break Berrettini for the first time in the tournament. After 1h22, the two players found themselves one set away (6-3). More consistent and in control of his emotions, the number one seed no longer gave Berrettini an opportunity to regain the upper hand in the game. With another break in the third set to lead 2-1, then a break to end the set and start serving in the next set, Alcaraz took the psychological advantage (6-3). At 4-3, the Spaniard showed patience to wait for opposition errors and break for the fourth time in the game. And on his service, Carlitos completed the suspense (6-3). After defeating a finalist at Wimbledon, he may have the head of the job to reach the final…