Tennis-Alcaraz survives thrilling five-set match against inspired Tiafoe

LONDON (Reuters) – Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz nearly surrendered his crown to American Frances Tiafoe but survived to fight back with a 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2 victory on Centre Court on Friday.

With his back to the wall while trailing two sets to one and dominated by the fiery Tiafoe, the third seed Spaniard suddenly found an extra gear to take control.

Alcaraz was under intense pressure throughout a spellbinding third-round match, played in superb spirit and with the crowd fully engaged.

Tiafoe looked set to avenge his five-set loss to Alcaraz in the 2022 US Open semifinals deep into the fourth set.

But Alcaraz responded devastatingly to prevail in the tie-break and the fifth set was one-sided as Tiafoe’s energy levels finally began to wane.

Alcaraz won the game with a drop shot and the two players embraced warmly at the net as the crowd erupted.

His victory means he has now reached at least the fourth round in 10 of his first 14 Grand Slam tournaments.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Alison Williams)