Cameron Norrie went down in straight sets 6-2 6-3 6-3 in his quarter-final against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to end British interest in the 2025 Wimbledon singles.
British No 3 Norrie, a former semi-finalist in 2022, has struggled for form in the past year and a half but looked back near his best in his run to the last eight - which included a second-round victory over 12th seed Frances Tiafoe.
But the two-time reigning champion Alcaraz proved an obstacle too far for the 29-year-old, the No 2 seed wrapping up a comprehensive victory in just one hour and 39 minutes on Centre Court.
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Norrie's progress to the quarter-finals meant he finally had to move from his favoured Court No 1 to Centre, where he had lost four of his five previous matches, including against Alexander Zverev last year and Novak Djokovic in that 2022 semi-final.
It was the Brit who actually started the stronger against Alcaraz, letting out a big cry of 'Come on' after holding
serve in the opening game, before earning three break points up 0-40 on the Spaniard's serve in the second.
Alcaraz saved them all and from there the contest was played almost entirely on the Spaniard's terms, as much as the Centre Court crowd tried their best to lift their home hope.
A double fault gave Alcaraz the break for 2-1 as he'd rattle off the next four games straight on his way to taking the first set 6-2.
Norrie, who had won two of his last three meetings with Alcaraz, was broken again early in the second set and though he created an opportunity to hit back in the sixth game, it disappeared with an Alcaraz ace.
Norrie fought hard to hold on to his serve in the early stages of the third set, and saved a match point at 2-5, but it was simply delaying the inevitable.
It has nevertheless been an excellent fortnight for Norrie, who almost dropped out of the top 100 earlier this season and will now see his ranking move just outside the top 40.
Alcaraz 'living in the moment' ahead of Fritz semi-final
Alcaraz will face American fifth seed Taylor Fritz in the last four on Friday as he continues his bid to make it three titles in a row at the All England Club and a sixth Grand Slam success in total.
"Really happy with the way I played against Cam," Alcaraz said. "No one works harder than him, happy to see him play in this kind of match.
"I'm just really happy to be able to play another semi-final here at Wimbledon, it's super special.
"[Taylor] Fritz is playing great, the grass season for him has been really successful.
"I have played a few times against him. I'm just trying to focus and enjoy and live in this moment."
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(c) Sky Sports 2025: Wimbledon: Cam Norrie suffers straight-sets drubbing in quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz to end British hopes
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