Sabalenka and Alcaraz roar into semis

'Really special'

Alcaraz had warned that facing Cameron Norrie could be a nightmare. For a fleeting moment on Tuesday, it looked like the defending Wimbledon champion might be in for a fright.

The Spaniard stumbled early, trailing 0-40 in his opening service game on Centre Court. Any chance of an upset, however, was swiftly dashed as Alcaraz roared to a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 quarterfinal victory — one that should send a shudder down the spine of anyone hoping to dethrone him.

With hundreds of empty seats at the start — fans still trickling back after Sabalenka's drawn-out quarterfinal — Alcaraz wasted no time asserting his dominance.

By the time the crowd returned to rally behind Britain's last remaining singles hope, the second seed had blazed through the first set in 28 minutes, dazzling with his trademark blend of power and flair.

Norrie, unseeded and unorthodox, did his best to resist.

He even raised his arms in mock celebration after holding serve late in the third set.

But, the outcome was never in doubt.

The rest of the match became a procession as the Spaniard wrapped up his 34th win from 37 matches on grass.

Alcaraz, now on a 23-match winning streak, was simply too good.

Alcaraz's eighth Grand Slam semifinal will be against American Fritz, but before he continues his quest for a third successive Wimbledon title he has two days off owing to the All England Club schedule.

A beaming Alcaraz said something more sedate would suffice.

"I might try to go to the city center if I have time. I want to play some golf with my team, which will be fun," he said.

"All I have been doing so far is work, so we will try to switch off together."

Alcaraz had blown hot and cold in his previous matches, but it is now the business end of the tournament.

"To be able to play another semifinal here at Wimbledon is really special," Alcaraz said.

"I want to go as far as I can, and I am really happy with the level I played today against a really difficult player like Cam."

Agencies