Carlos Alcaraz triumphed in a one-way battle of young runs on Wednesday with the top seed defeating Holder Rune 7-6 (3), 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final.
Waiting on Friday will be match-hardened Daniil Medvedev, who finally shut down the big game of qualifier Christopher Eubanks 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-1 in a three-hour struggle.
Medvedev maintained his winning record on lucky charm court No. 1, with the third seed only moving onto Centre for his Friday semi-final.
Alcaraz was in complete control against Denmark’s sixth seed Rune, a former childhood doubles partner also aged 20.
The Spanish prodigy is the youngest man to reach the last 8 here since 19-year-old Nick Kyrgios in 2014 and will be the most junior to play a Wimbledon semi-final since Djokovic in 2007.
“Honestly this is amazing for me,” the winner said. “I’ve dreamed of Wimbledon since I started playing tennis.
“To have such a good result here is a dream. I’m in the semi-finals and playing at a great level
“I didn’t expect this on grass – for me, it’s crazy.”
The winner said that the past counted for nothing as he took on Rune
“Once you get to the quarter-finals there are no friends,” he joked. “You have to focus on yourself. I did great in that part.
Alcaraz lost to Medvedev here in the second round two years ago.
2021 US Open winner Medvedev went for nearly three hours to hold off the rangy 2.01- metre Eubanks, who charmed the crowd with his big game and hustling attitude.
Medvedev said he had to overcome a swoon midway through the thriller, motivating himself to continue to the victory.
He ended with 28 aces while newcomer Eubanks threw down 17. But the challenger was unused to the highwire tensions of a Grand Slam fifth set, with his level dropping markedly at the end.
“This may have to be my favourite court anywhere,” Medvedev said. “I’m happy to be in the semi-finals
“When I was down two sets to one, I completely lost track of my game.
“He played well, I started to sink and make mistakes. But in the fourth I started to build something; that helped me in the fifth.
“From the (fourth-set) tiebreak I played amazing and I’m very happy about that.”
No. 43 Eubanks was the last unseeded man in the field and came to London after winning his first ATP title on grass in Mallorca.
Medvedev started the match on a tear, capturing the opening set with 16 winners and just one unforced error.
Main photo:- Wimbledon Day 10 12/07/2023 Daniil Medvedev (xxx) wins quarter final match by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
