ALCARAZ SHOWS FIGHT IN TOUGH LAST-16 BATTLE

Struggling Spaniard passes tricky lefty test; tears for Keys as she retires owing to injury

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LONDON Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a worrying mid-match slump to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals on July 7, defeating Ugo Humbert of France in four sets to stay on course for a fourth Grand Slam title.

The Spanish world No. 3 came through 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 against his 16th-ranked opponent to book a spot in the last eight of a Major for the ninth time in just 14 appearances.

However, it was another uncomfortable afternoon for Alcaraz, who had needed five sets to see off Frances Tiafoe in the third round.

His erratic performance on July 7 saw him drop serve five times and commit an uncharacteristic 33 unforced errors.

Said Alcaraz: "Playing lefties is always tricky, no matter the surface. I played my first lefty at Queen's so I learnt a little bit from that.

"I felt great playing today. I think I played a really high level and playing a lefty I tried not to think about it and just played my own game."