Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz endured a thrilling challenge from fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar to reach the quarter-finals at Queen's Club, winning 6-4, 6-7 7/9, 7-5 on Thursday.
The world number two fought hard through a gruelling three-hour and 26-minute encounter under London's hottest conditions of the year.
To combat cramping, Alcaraz resorted to gulping pickle juice between games as he rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the final set.
"It was an extremely tough match. Munar is a strong competitor and made it difficult," Alcaraz admitted. "I'm proud of the level I maintained, especially since it's only my second grass match of the season. Mentally and physically, it was challenging."
Earlier in the week, Alcaraz had faced Australian Adam Walton in his first match since his dramatic French Open victory over Jannik Sinner. On Thursday, the 22-year-old, who aims for a third consecutive Wimbledon title, faced an even sterner test from Munar, ranked 59th.
