Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz extended his incredible winning run to 18 matches by defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in an intense fourth-round clash at Wimbledon 2025 on Monday. The defending champion overcame a spirited challenge from Rublev to keep his hopes alive for back-to-back titles at SW19.
Alcaraz’s power and composure seal the match
Playing under the closed roof of Centre Court due to intermittent rain, Alcaraz showcased his trademark explosive tennis mixed with deft touch shots, particularly his disguised drop shots that repeatedly caught Rublev off guard. Despite dropping the second set, the 21-year-old regrouped swiftly to clinch the third with aggressive baseline dominance.
In the fourth set, Rublev fought hard, holding serve until 5-5, but Alcaraz raised his level to break at a crucial juncture before serving out the match with two consecutive aces, sealing victory in 2 hours and 48 minutes.
Match summary
| Round | Opponent | Country | Score | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | Andrey Rublev | Russia | 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 | 2h 48m |
Alcaraz’s route to the quarterfinals
| Round | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Federico Coria (ARG) | 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 |
| R2 | Ugo Humbert (FRA) | 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-3 |
| R3 | Cameron Norrie (GBR) | 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 |
| R4 | Andrey Rublev (RUS) | 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 |
Alcaraz’s reaction after victory
Speaking to the crowd post-match, Alcaraz said:
“It was a very tough match. Andrey played unbelievable tennis and pushed me in every set. I am happy with the way I stayed calm and focused. The crowd support here gives me so much energy, and I hope to keep enjoying my tennis in the quarterfinals.”
Expert analysis on Alcaraz’s performance
Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray analysed Alcaraz’s performance on BBC:
“What impresses me about Carlos is his ability to switch gears mid-rally. His drop shots are so precise, and he uses them at the perfect moments. He is definitely the man to beat this fortnight.”
John McEnroe added:
“The variety in his game is extraordinary. He’s fearless, and his athleticism is off the charts. He is playing like a true defending champion.”
Upcoming quarterfinal clash
Alcaraz will now face Holger Rune in the quarterfinals, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling five-set encounter earlier on Monday. The two young stars have faced each other four times previously, with Alcaraz leading 3-1.
| Quarterfinal | Players |
|---|---|
| QF | Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs Holger Rune (DEN) |
This matchup is already being dubbed as the “battle of the next generation,” with both players having won Masters titles and Alcaraz already a three-time Grand Slam champion.
Current men’s singles quarterfinal line-up
| Quarterfinals | Players |
|---|---|
| QF1 | Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs Nicolas Jarry (CHI) |
| QF2 | Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs Holger Rune (DEN) |
| QF3 | Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Ben Shelton (USA) |
| QF4 | Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs Alex de Minaur (AUS) |
Alcaraz’s Wimbledon record
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Second round |
| 2022 | Fourth round |
| 2023 | Champion (def. Novak Djokovic) |
| 2024 | Semifinal (lost to Jannik Sinner) |
| 2025 | Quarterfinal (ongoing) |
Alcaraz is aiming to become the youngest player since Boris Becker to win multiple Wimbledon titles by the age of 22.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season so far
The Spaniard has enjoyed an outstanding year, winning the French Open and Miami Masters, and reaching the Australian Open final where he lost to Jannik Sinner. His current 18-match winning streak started during the clay court swing leading into Roland Garros.
Strengths displayed in Monday’s match
- Explosive forehand winners: Often clocked over 160 kmph
- Backhand passing shots: Crucial in breaking Rublev’s net approaches
- Drop shots: Disguised perfectly, winning 14 out of 16 attempts
- Composure under pressure: Saved all 4 break points faced in the fourth set
Fans react to Alcaraz’s performance
Social media was flooded with praise for the young Spaniard:
- “Carlos is just built different. Wimbledon king in the making.”
- “Rublev threw everything at him, but Alcaraz was unbreakable in the big moments.”
- “That drop shot – lob – smash combo in the third set was pure art.”
Even Rafael Nadal tweeted:
“Great fighting spirit Carlos. Keep going. Vamos!”
Alcaraz’s goals for the remainder of the tournament
In his pre-quarterfinal press conference, Alcaraz said:
“I am not thinking too far ahead. Each match here is tough. I just want to stay healthy, stay aggressive, and enjoy every point. If I keep my intensity and focus, I believe in my chances.”
Final thoughts
Carlos Alcaraz’s march into the Wimbledon 2025 quarterfinals reinforces his status as the most exciting young talent in men’s tennis today. His ability to combine raw power with tactical finesse makes him a dangerous opponent for any player on grass.
As he prepares to face Holger Rune for a place in the semi-finals, fans around the world eagerly await another showcase of his fearless tennis that has redefined the modern game.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes match reports, player statements, and expert analyses based on public broadcasts and official tournament data. Final results remain subject to Wimbledon Championships confirmation.
