Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled past the powerful Taylor Fritz to book his place in a third consecutive Wimbledon final, prevailing 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6) on a scorching Centre Court.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, chasing his sixth Grand Slam title, produced another dazzling display of all-court tennis to halt the American’s charge and extend his astonishing winning streak to 24 matches.
Fritz, seeded fifth and bidding to become the first American man to reach the final since Andy Roddick in 2009, brought consistency and power to the contest. But even his booming serve and solid forehand could not crack the code of a resurgent Alcaraz, who rediscovered top form just when it mattered most.
With the win, Alcaraz sets up a tantalising final against world No.1 Jannik Sinner – a rematch of their French Open semi-final epic that stretched over five gruelling sets. Sinner earlier stunned Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach his first Wimbledon final.
“I’m not thinking about the winning streak or the results at all,” Alcaraz said on court. “This is my dream – stepping on these beautiful courts and playing tennis in the most beautiful tournaments in the world. That’s all I try to think about at every tournament, and why I try to bring the joy to the courts.”
He certainly delivered on that promise, lighting up Centre Court in a captivating semi-final that blended the raw power of Fritz with the relentless athleticism and shot-making flair of Alcaraz.
While Fritz looked calm and composed throughout, it was Alcaraz’s restless energy that repeatedly tipped the balance. His explosive forehands, swift movement, and fearless net play often left the American scrambling.
Fritz managed to steal the second set as Alcaraz’s intensity dipped, breaking serve for the first and only time. But the reigning champion swiftly hit back, dominating the third set and coming through a tense fourth-set tiebreak to seal victory after two hours and 32 minutes.
Alcaraz’s serving was clinical. He won 100% of his first-serve points in the opening set and conceded just one point on serve during the third. Though Fritz notched 11 forehand winners, Alcaraz matched him with 10 of his own – and did so with greater variety, flair, and precision.
The Spaniard also brought a vintage Wimbledon tactic back into the spotlight: the serve-volley. Using it to great effect throughout the match, Alcaraz outclassed Fritz at the net, blending modern power with classic grass-court touch.
Now, all eyes turn to Sunday’s final. Sinner may be the world’s top-ranked player, but Alcaraz has experience and momentum on his side – not to mention the memory of their brutal showdown in Paris.
“It’s going to be a great day, a great final,” said Alcaraz. “I’m just excited about it.”