In a Wimbledon tournament filled with upsets, the Alcaraz-Rublev match was the first encounter between two players ranked in the top 20. The unexpected continued, but only in the first set. Rublev won the tie-break 7-5, before falling behind Alcaraz for the remainder of the match.

Alcaraz considers Rublev one of the most powerful players on the ATP Tour. Indeed, Rublev challenged the world number two with his aggressive style. However, the Russian player couldn't pull off the upset, as Alcaraz served exceptionally well, hitting 22 aces.

Alcaraz serves during his fourth-round Wimbledon match on Centre Court at the All England Club, London, England, on 6/7. Photo: Reuters

Alcaraz serves during his fourth-round Wimbledon match on Centre Court at the All England Club, London, England, on 6/7. Photo: Reuters

Before the fourth-round match, Alcaraz averaged only 9 aces per match in the tournament. His strong serve against Rublev allowed the Spaniard to hold his own games, before seeking opportunities on the return. Alcaraz's best shot also came at break-point, a counter-attacking winner to take a 4-3 lead in the fourth set.

Alcaraz lost only one service game throughout the match, at the beginning of the first set. From then on, he broke Rublev once in each set, securing victory in two hours and 43 minutes. Alcaraz won 82% of his first-serve points and hit 41 winners compared to Rublev's 29.

"Against Rublev, you have to be prepared for him to push you to the limit on every point," Alcaraz said after the match. "I'm happy with how I moved and handled the ball today. I think I played intelligently."

Alcaraz aims to become the second player after Bjorn Borg to win both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles in consecutive years. He will face Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals. The British player defeated Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-7(7), 6-7(5), 6-3 in four and a half hours, in a match where the Chilean hit an impressive 103 winners. The other quarterfinal matchup, also determined on 6/7, will see Taylor Fritz facing Karen Khachanov.

Notable men's singles fourth-round matches at Wimbledon today, 6/7:

Vy Anh