The Daily Star Ireland
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz will face the formidable Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated Wimbledon semifinal this Thursday. As Fritz aims to reach his first Grand Slam final, the world No. 2 presents the biggest hurdle yet in what has been an impressive grass-court season for the Californian.
A Career-Defining Moment for Fritz
Fritz secured his place in the final four after a four-set victory over Karen Khachanov, marking his best performance yet at Wimbledon. His recent success on grass courts has been notable—he claimed back-to-back titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, building a remarkable 13-1 record this season on the surface.
Despite the momentum, Fritz enters this match as the underdog, with odds reflecting a 27.12% chance of victory. His overall record against top 10 opponents stands at 31 wins and 43 losses, and crucially, he has yet to take a set off Alcaraz in their previous two meetings.
Alcaraz Eyes Third Wimbledon Final
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, returns to the semifinal stage with confidence. After briefly dropping sets in earlier rounds, he reasserted his dominance by sweeping past Britain’s Cameron Norrie in straight sets in the quarter-finals. That win marks his eighth career Grand Slam semifinal appearance and keeps him in contention for a third consecutive Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz is currently riding a 23-match winning streak and remains unbeaten in his last 18 matches at Wimbledon. Since his opening-round clash with Fabio Fognini, the Spaniard hasn’t faced serious threats, showcasing the consistent power and precision that have defined his rapid rise.
A potential final could see him face one of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Ben Shelton, or Flavio Cobolli. If it’s Djokovic or Sinner, it would mark the third final between Alcaraz and either of them this season, further deepening one of the most intriguing rivalries in modern tennis.
Key Stats to Watch
- Alcaraz is on a 23-match unbeaten run.
- He has won 19 consecutive matches at Wimbledon.
- Fritz has never won a set against Alcaraz in two meetings.
- Fritz’s record against top 10 players stands at 31–43.
What’s at Stake
For Fritz, this is a chance to solidify his place among the elite and make a Grand Slam final for the first time. For Alcaraz, it’s another step toward cementing his legacy as a dominant force on grass—already holding two Wimbledon titles, he is now targeting a third in just five appearances at the All England Club.
As both players prepare to clash on Centre Court, fans can expect a matchup defined by powerful serving, tactical rallies, and the high-stakes intensity of semifinal tennis at one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
Prediction
According to current odds, Alcaraz holds a commanding edge. Betobet gives the Spaniard a 72.88% chance of victory, with betting odds of 1.22. Meanwhile, Fritz’s odds stand at 5.21, reflecting the challenge ahead.
Given his past performances against Fritz and his current form, Alcaraz is heavily favored to control the match from start to finish. Fritz’s recent grass-court success is impressive, but it may not be enough to overcome the reigning champion’s momentum and tactical versatility.
Prediction: Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
