Wimbledon results 2024: Carlos Alcaraz to play Daniil Medvedev in semi-final – BBC
This video can not be played
Highlights: Alcaraz beats Paul in four sets
Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a slow start to beat Tommy Paul and set up another semi-final against Daniil Medvedev – a repeat of their meeting from last year.
Medvedev, who defeated world number one Jannik Sinner, will be looking to avenge his defeat in the 2023 last-four match that Alcaraz won in straight sets on his way to taking the title.
Alcaraz was a set and a break of serve down on Court One on Tuesday against American Paul, the 12th seed, but recovered to win 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-2 in a match that lasted three hours 11 minutes.
Meanwhile, Medvedev had to fight every bit as hard as he defeated Sinner 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 6-3 win in four hours on Centre Court.
Alcaraz has already won three Grand Slam titles at the age of 21, while Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, will be aiming to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time.
"Daniil's a really great player. It's the same semi-final as last year so hopefully I'm going to get the same result," said Alcaraz.
"He just won against Sinner, the best player right now, so he's in really good shape and I have to play my best.
"I have to believe in myself and try to keep going. It's going to be difficult but I'm going to enjoy it."
Spaniard Alcaraz is a keen football fan and had spoken of his desire to be able to watch Spain in their Euro 2024 semi-final against France later on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old looked like he was in a rush to finish his match as he instantly piled on the pressure and took his sixth break-point opportunity to move 2-1 ahead.
However, Paul, the champion at Queen’s Club last month, instantly got back on serve as a pulsating encounter full of breathtaking shots, power and commitment played out in front of an enthralled Court One crowd.
The sixth game lasted more than 15 minutes, with Paul, in his first Wimbledon quarter-final, missing three chances of a break.
But that did not prove costly.
He was two points from the opening set in the 10th game, but got over the line two games later, finishing off a delightful passing shot which Alcaraz at full stretch could not reach.
Paul took a 2-0 lead in the second set, but from then on Alcaraz recovered and stamped his authority thanks to his court coverage, ability to find spectacular winners and his impressive first serves.
The opening three games of the third set saw neither player able to hold serve, but with Paul tiring and starting to produce unforced errors, Alcaraz pulled clear and sealed a superb victory.
"When I lost the first set it was difficult,” said Alcaraz. “But I knew it's a really long journey so I had to stay there.
“If I'm struggling and the opponent is playing great tennis, I believe I'll be able to come back and find solutions – I believe in myself the whole time."
This video can not be played
Highlights: Medvedev beats world number one Sinner in quarter-finals
Medvedev ended his losing streak against Sinner in a captivating contest.
Italian top seed Sinner, who was hampered by illness, had won his most recent five encounters against Medvedev – including January's Australian Open final.
But Russian fifth seed Medvedev avenged that Melbourne result.
"I knew if I wanted to beat Jannik it needs to be a tough match," said Medvedev.
"I'm really happy to win, really happy with my game and looking forward."
'Djokovic loves the confrontation – and thrives off it'
Wimbledon changes finals plan and confirms rain 'last resort'
Qualifier Sun out as Vekic reaches first semi-final
Medvedev is through to a second straight Wimbledon semi-final
In their Australian Open title match, Sinner made an incredible comeback from two sets down to claim his maiden Grand Slam trophy.
On Tuesday, the 22-year-old took an early lead when Medvedev cracked first in a tie-break – double-faulting on Sinner's second set point.
However, Sinner started to appear unwell and struggled to maintain his intensity levels as Medvedev patiently rode out the second set after breaking early.
Still out of sorts and after dropping serve early once again, Sinner called for a medical timeout in the third set, receiving attention before going off the court for almost 10 minutes.
He returned with renewed energy and the support of the crowd, slowly working his way back. Sinner could not capitalise on two set points, though, as Medvedev held firm and came out on top in a tie-break to nudge ahead in the match.
Former teenage prodigy Sinner raced through the fourth set to take the match into a decider – to the delight of the Centre Court crowd.
But it was Medvedev who finished the stronger, breaking for a 3-1 lead before sealing victory with a backhand winner on his first match point.
Live scores, results and order of play
Get tennis news sent straight to your phone
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser
Euro 2024: Build-up to England v Netherlands as Spain reach final
Southgate has suffered – but next few days will define legacy
Messi leads Argentina into Copa America final
An absorbing mystery in a beautiful Swedish setting
Haunted by the past, grief therapist Vera believes her missing brother is still alive
Can Miriam Margolyes convince Shaun to go to Tuscany?
From medieval jousting to delicious food, Tuscany has everything Miriam Margolyes could need
Access all areas with racehorse trainer Andrew Balding
Discover life at one of the world’s major stables in the run-up to Royal Ascot
Kate Waugh highlights the importance of grassroots clubs
The Gateshead triathlete credits them for her Olympic debut in Paris
Southgate has suffered – but next few days will define legacy
Highlights: Yamal's wonder goal sends Spain to final. Video
Space to attack into? Why Dutch plan might suit England
Yamal explains his 'speak now' comment after France match. Video
Van Dijk v Kane & can Ake stop Saka? – five key battles
Will England make it? Sutton's semi-final predictions
'Beautifully done!' – Paul tops shots of day nine. Video
Nine things you need to know about penalties as England face Dutch
'Lets hope that's not serious' – photographer slips into Morata at full-time Video
Inside the gym building champions – and community
McEnroe defends 'Darth Vader' Djokovic
'Goodbye to Jimmy and to part of ourselves'
'Mission to win' – US captain Bradley to visit LIV events
Djokovic: 'Do you have any questions other than the crowd?' Video
Stokes hails ‘incredible’ Anderson before final Test. Video
F1 Q&A after Silverstone: How close will drivers' championship be?
The best Euros semi-finals of last 30 years
In defence of Foden – 'this is a tactical issue, not a player problem'
Wimbledon tribute – The best moments of Andy Murray. Video
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
