(Tennis news) World No. 1 Alcaraz was put to the test by Italian semifinalist Matteo Berrettini, losing the opening set 6-3. However, the 20-year-old Spaniard levelled the match with a 6-3 set victory as Berrettini suffered his first serve loss in two weeks.

The Spaniard then won another set 6-3 to take control of the match. Alcaraz’s progress was unabated even when play was halted because the Centre Court roof had to be closed because of nightfall. The defending US Open winner advanced to his first Wimbledon quarterfinal by breaking the Berrettini serve once more. Alcaraz is currently 8-2 at the grasscourt Major and 44-4 overall.

After losing the first set against Grigor Dimitrov, sixth-ranked Rune defeated him in four sets. When he had a set and a break advantage, the Bulgarian appeared to have the situation under control. However, Rune fought back to tie the game up before levelling the playing field.

With another tiebreak victory, Rune increased his lead to two sets to one. The Dane needed just one break to advance to Wimbledon’s last eight players in the fourth set, smashing 46 winners en route. Rune is now 4-1 in the grass court Major and 37-12 overall.

Head-to-Head

Alcaraz and Rune have split their two prior matches. Rune won the pair’s most recent encounter in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters last year (Alcaraz had to quit due to injury), taking the match in straight sets. Their first encounter will take place on grass here.

Predictions

Alcaraz and Rune share similar game philosophies, preferring to dominate opponents from the rear of the court with strong serving, forceful hitting from either flank, and fluid mobility.

The 20-year-olds, who are two of the most gifted young players on the circuit, have similar grasscourt backgrounds, with Alcaraz going 13-2 and Rune going 7-4. It’s interesting to note that Alcaraz has won his past nine surface matchups, while the Dane has won all seven of his matches on grass this year.

Carlos, who has lost two sets in four games compared to Rune’s three, will be the slightly more rested player. In a close match, the Spaniard ought to win.

Carlos Alcaraz to win in 4 sets (3-1)
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