Alcaraz beats Tiafoe to gain confidence: "I realize that I'm a great player".
Carlos Alcaraz had a tough time of it on Friday. Up against a marvellous Frances Tiafoe, the Spaniard battled for a long time, but finally came through after almost 4 hours of duel (5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2).
Asked about this magnificent qualification for the last 16 at Wimbledon, where he could meet Ugo Humbert, Alcaraz was proud of his performance:
"I realize that I'm a great player in the fifth set. I push my rival and take him to the limit, trying to get him to be at 100% physically and mentally.
It's sometimes difficult for the opponent to maintain that kind of intensity and level in the fifth set. In my head, I think I'm good at this, that I have to believe I'm going to win and that I'm going to show my best tennis.
In fact, I think I'm going to win, and that's what makes the difference for me."