Defending King: Carlos Alcaraz extends Wimbledon streak, sends Andrey Rublev packing

Carlos Alcaraz clinched victory in the Wimbledon fourth round against Andrey Rublev, coming back from a set down after an erratic start to the match. The defending champion achieved his 18th consecutive triumph at the All England Club with a score of 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and will now face local favorite Cameron Norrie.

The Spaniard had a generally strong serving day, hitting a total of 22 aces compared to just 6 from his opponent, while winning 82% of points on his first serve against the Russian's 72%. In the first set, Rublev held a lead of up to 4-1, but couldn't convert it and ultimately everything was decided in the tie-break. Nevertheless, he took the set 7-6(5), winning the last four points consecutively and unsettling the defending champion.

While things remained even in the second set, Alcaraz appeared more effective with his serve, avoiding too many long exchanges. The Spaniard waited for his moment and secured a break in the 8th game, which ultimately gave him the set 6-3. A similar story unfolded in the third set, where he remained solid on his serve, and with a break at the right moment, he took the definitive lead to 6-4.

In the final set, the intensity from Rublev's side declined. He saw that Alcaraz had seized the momentum of the match and was much more aggressive. Thus, the break for Alcaraz came sooner rather than later, as he moved ahead in the 5th game with another break, making it 3-2. Rublev never truly looked capable of challenging Alcaraz's serve to close out the match, barely saving three break points against him in the 7th game.

Finally, the Spaniard secured the victory with a score of 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, being absolutely superior in the last three sets and showing excellent serving numbers. Alcaraz will face Britain's Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals, who advanced after eliminating Chile's Nicolas Jarry in a grueling five-set battle earlier in the afternoon.