ESCAPE FOR ALCARAZ

Spaniard copies England ace Bellingham's celebration after clinching win - having been pushed all the way by his mate Tiafoe

- CHRIS MCKENNA

CARLOS ALCARAZ mimicked Jude Bellingham's celebration after fighting back against Frances Tiafoe in a five-set epic.

The defending champion was in real danger of exiting at the third round as he trailed the American - and his good pal - 2-1.

In front of a Centre Court crowd that included Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman and under a closed retractable roof that amplified the thuds of rackets-on-balls, grunts and cheers third-seeded Alcaraz was outplayed for stretches by No. 29 Tiafoe.

But in a game sprinkled with some salivating shots and powerful serves, it was the Spaniard who got the edge in a five-set thriller.

Then he brought out the arms outstretched celebration in honour of Real Madrid and England ace Bellingham.

And Alvarez, who delayed his media duties last night to watch Spain's dramatic extra-time winner against Germany in the Euros said: "I have huge respect for him.

"We're in London. He is England. So that's why. I told him that the big win deserves a big celebration."

Alcaraz will face either 16th seed Ugo Humbert or Brandon Nakashima in the fourth round, as that match was delayed yesterday due to rain, and admits he will have to step up.