Wimbledon 2024 - Day 5: Déjà-vu for Raducanu and Alcaraz

Alcaraz rises to take down Tiafoe

Here’s the first segment of déjà vu. Back at the US Open 2022, Carlos Alcaraz prevailed in a pulsating night session five-set thriller against Frances Tiafoe.

From Arthur Ashe to Centre Court this time, the world No.3 claimed the honours in an intense match 5-7,6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 to chalk up a 10th consecutive Grand Slam victory and 10th consecutive win at Wimbledon.

"Obviously it is always a big challenge playing against Frances," said Roland-Garros champion Alcaraz. "All I was thinking is 'fight one more ball.'

“Physically I know I feel great. I know that the other guy has to play at a really high level of tennis intensity in the five sets if he wants to beat me. That help me a lot to deal much better with those difficult situations in the end.”

Over to French 16th seed Ugo Humbert or American Brandon Nakashima to attempt to dethrone the Spaniard.

Raducanu returning to peak

Here’s the second instalment of déjà vu.

Rewind to US Open 2021, Emma Raducanu burst into the limelight with a maiden major. In the New York semi-finals the Brit overcame Maria Sakkari 6-1, 6-4. Since then they’ve both wrestled with dips in form, injuries, surgeries, you name it.

Friday’s third round encounter provided the 21-year-old wild card with another milestone moment against the Greek. Having reignited her passion for tennis, Raducanu played with a freedom, was bold, proactive and counterpunched with aplomb to win 6-2, 6-3.

“I think today is up there with the most fun I’ve had on a tennis court,” stated Raducanu. “I really enjoyed every single moment. I was just telling myself, ‘how many times are you going to get to play in front of a full Centre Court?’

Raducanu has been observing the all-court craft from the men’s champion.

“…I think, following the Carlos-Tiafoe match, it was such amazing tennis, just very fun to watch. I think the last couple matches I've been following Carlos. I think sometimes in certain moments you in a way try to emulate certain shots.”

Sinner on song

World No.1 Jannik Sinner was in no mood to wait around, swatting aside Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to book a battle with Ben Shelton or Denis Shapovalov.

"To make friendship with the grass! Be very kind to the grass and something positive will happen,” said the Italian, after posting a tour-leading 41st victory this season.

“In the beginning, I was struggling a lot on grass, but every year I feel like I am improving so let's see what I can do this year but being happy on the court is the most important."

No.10 seed Grigor Dimitrov relinquished just 10 games to dismiss Frenchman Gael Monfils. The Bulgarian has Daniil Medvedev or Jan Lennard Struff in his path to the quarter-finals.

“Whatever else comes at me, I’m ready for it. Whether it’s good or bad I’m gonna face it head on first,” declared Dimitrov. “I’m just a guy who loves playing tennis at the end of the day. I’m trying not to think too far ahead. Trying to stay in the present. It’s one of the toughest things. You need to go onto the next page sometimes. I think I’ve written quite a few pages. Every time I feel like I’m opening a new chapter. Just very pleased at the moment.”

Despite the rain decimating the schedule, Tommy Paul collected an early win, breezing past Alexander Bublik in straight sets ahead of Roberto Bautista Agut or Fabio Fognini in the fourth round roster.

Badosa bringing the feel-good factor

Wiping away the tears, Paula Badosa couldn’t believe she was back in a Grand Slam fourth round.

A multitude of physical issues have sidelined the Spaniard in the past two seasons - The former world No.2 simply wouldn’t quit.

The current world No.93 defeated recent Eastbourne champion Daria Kasatkina 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 to cue emotional scenes on No.3 Court.

“It's not my first time in a second week, but I think it's the most special one,” said Badosa. “I'm really proud of myself after all. I've been struggling a lot with injuries, and it's been now a long time that I wasn't in a second week. For me, it meant so much.

“Last year here I had to retire. Then it took me ten months. I was on the couch and watching the tournaments from home.

“Also this year when I started, the doctors were telling me I couldn't continue maybe (retire). For me, I've always been very tough mentally and a fighter, so I was going to do it anyway.”

Badosa heads on to tackle Croatian Donna Vekic, who stunned No.28 seed Dayana Yastremska 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 6-1 under the No.1 Court roof.

Gauff rising through the gears

World No.2 Coco Gauff emerged 6-4, 6-0 in another stellar display to down gallant British qualifier Sonay Kartal.

The American earned an enticing showdown with compatriot Emma Navarro in the Last 16.

“She's a really great player, obviously. Probably the most athletic player on tour in my opinion. And she does it all really well. She'll obviously pose a huge challenge,” said Navarro regarding Coco,  following a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diana Shnaider.

“I know I have the level inside of me that can beat a player like her. It's maybe just a matter of doing it on a bigger stage.”

Roland-Garros finalist Jasmine Paolini continued to impress with a 7-6(4), 6-1 scoreboard over Bianca Andreescu, becoming the first Italian woman in the Open Era to feature in the fourth round in each of the first three Grand Slams of a season.

Paolini’s fourth round challenge will be the ultra-consistent Madison Keys. The American beat Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 to reach a major second week for the 20th time.

“Flavia Pennetta, Schiavone, Errani, and Vinci, they played an amazing level for many years. It's great to have this achievement. I'm trying to live my own journey. It's something that I'm proud of, but for myself, not comparing to the past.”