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Champion Alcaraz beats Tiafoe in five-set thriller

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz avoided a surprise exit at Wimbledon by holding off American Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller.

The Spaniard won an intense match 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 in front of a raucous Centre Court crowd.

It keeps Alcaraz's hopes of winning back-to-back major titles alive after triumphing at the French Open last month.

"Obviously it is always a big challenge playing against Frances," Alcaraz said.

"All I was thinking is 'fight one more ball'."

The 21-year-old will play American Brandon Nakashima or French 16th seed Ugo Humbert in the third round.