Defending champion Carlos Alakraj, in an exciting encounter to reach the fourth round, controlled himself for the third Wimbledon title in a row by overcoming the mass-lanned stuff.
World Number Two has actually hit its stride in the tournament so far, but has come through some major pressure situations and produced quality moments in this match to seal the victory of 6-1 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Alakraj will face the next seed 14th seed Andre Rublave-he defeated Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-2 6-3 for a place in the quarter-finals.
Spaniard, 22, said, “I knew it was going to be difficult.”
“He has big tasks, reaches the net and I am really happy with what I did today.
“I am proud to win in four sets. It was also tense. I was suffering in every set today I did today.”
Alkaraz had to fight through five sets and about five hours in court and in the early stages to see Fabio Fogni and although he defeated British Wildcard Oli Tarvet in straight sets, he had to break the Wimbledon Debutant.
Initially, it seemed that he would flag off the world number 125 Stuff in front of a expected Center court mob on Friday, as he wrapped the opening set within 30 minutes, leaving just one game in German.
But the second set was a different story as Stuff found his power and accuracy on his service. After not managing a single ace in the first set, he hit four in the other and helped him break the Alakraj twice and took the matters to the level.
But that accuracy left German number three in the third early. Three double defects gave Alakraj a break to go up 2–0 and he remained under control to take the set.
The pressure increased in the fourth but Alakraj showed the quality that allowed him to unbeaten 21 matches.
He closed a couple of possible brake opportunities before an amazing backhand volley on the net, which helped them in the way of a significant break on 4-4.
Alkaraz had crowded the center court on its feet before wrapping the set and matching with a major grip to love to strengthen his place in the next round.
