LONDON - Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner stayed on track for a blockbuster Wimbledon showdown by reaching the quarterfinals, while women’s second seed Coco Gauff was sent tumbling out on a soggy Sunday.
French Open champion Alcaraz, who is looking to defend his Wimbledon trophy and complete what is dubbed the “Channel Slam” in reference to the English Channel that separates Britain and France, battled past Metz-born Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5.
“I think I’m getting better and better every match that I’m playing,” said Alcaraz, who was happy to avoid another five-set tussle after being taken the distance by Frances Tiafoe in the previous round.
American 12th seed Tommy Paul set up a last-eight meeting with the 21-year-old Spaniard after the Queen’s Club champion downed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 7-6(3) 6-2.
Italian Sinner, who could face Alcaraz in the semifinals in a rematch of their Roland Garros meeting, was equally impressive in his 6-2 6-4 7-6(9) win over 14th seed Ben Shelton.