Tommy Paul, the 13th seed from the United States, raced against the fading light on Court Two to overcome Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in a straight-sets victory, 6-2, 7-6(3), 6-2, on Sunday. This win sets up a thrilling quarterfinal matchup with the reigning champion, Carlos Alcaraz.
The 27-year-old Paul needed just over two hours to dispatch Bautista Agut, who was aiming for his second Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance in his 10th trip to the tournament. Paul’s prowess on grass, honed by his recent victory at the Queen’s Club warm-up event last month, proved too much for the 36-year-old Bautista Agut, now ranked 112th in the world.
Bautista Agut managed to make Paul work hard in the second set, but a couple of unforced errors cost him the chance to level the match. Paul then took control of the final set, sealing the victory with an ace. The players had been delayed by rain showers, resulting in a late start, and the shadows were long by the time they finished.
“It worked out great,” Paul said about the late start. “I always play good tennis on this court. “I know the weather hasn’t been cooperating but maybe my next match will be inside,” he joked, referencing the possibility of his next match being played on Centre Court, which has a roof.
Looking ahead to his clash with Alcaraz, Paul expressed confidence: “He (Alcaraz) plays amazing tennis on grass but I’m playing pretty good too,” he said, adding that he is on a nine-match winning streak. This upcoming match promises to be a captivating battle between two of the tournament’s most in-form players.
