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Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz comes back to beat Frances Tiafoe in the third round

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Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz comes back to beat Frances Tiafoe in the third round
Sport

Sport

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz comes back to beat Frances Tiafoe in the third round

2024-07-06 03:57 Last Updated At:04:00

LONDON (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz found himself pushed to a Grand Slam fifth set again, this time at Wimbledon, this time against good pal Frances Tiafoe. And as he usually does under such circumstances, no matter how much trouble he might have been in, Alcaraz surged to the finish.

Avoiding a surprising exit, the defending champion got past Tiafoe 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 on Friday to reach Wimbledon’s fourth round in an entertaining match filled with moments of brilliance and a series of momentum swings across its 3 hours, 50 minutes.

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Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz found himself pushed to a Grand Slam fifth set again, this time at Wimbledon, this time against good pal Frances Tiafoe. And as he usually does under such circumstances, no matter how much trouble he might have been in, Alcaraz surged to the finish.

Emma Raducanu of Britain reacts after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Emma Raducanu of Britain reacts after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Coco Gauff of the United States is congratulated by Sonay Kartal, right, of Britain following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States is congratulated by Sonay Kartal, right, of Britain following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return to Sonay Kartal of Britain during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return to Sonay Kartal of Britain during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Sonay Kartal of Britain in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Sonay Kartal of Britain in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Tommy Paul of the United States reacts after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Tommy Paul of the United States reacts after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Juan Carlos Ferrero, left, coach of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts following his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Juan Carlos Ferrero, left, coach of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts following his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz serves to Francis Tiafoe, top, of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz serves to Francis Tiafoe, top, of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, looks over at Francis Tiafoe of the United States who fell during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, looks over at Francis Tiafoe of the United States who fell during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a backhand return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a backhand return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States lays on the court during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States lays on the court during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany, right, watch the third round match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Francis Tiafoe of the United States on Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany, right, watch the third round match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Francis Tiafoe of the United States on Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts after winning a point against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts after winning a point against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz plays shot between his legs to Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz plays shot between his legs to Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, right, embraces Francis Tiafoe of the United States following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, right, embraces Francis Tiafoe of the United States following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators sit on the Hill under umbrellas as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators sit on the Hill under umbrellas as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators line up outside the venue as they wait for the gates to open ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators line up outside the venue as they wait for the gates to open ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The outside courts under covers ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The outside courts under covers ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators walk around the venue as rain delays the start of play ahead of third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators walk around the venue as rain delays the start of play ahead of third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators sit under umbrellas on court 3 as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Spectators sit under umbrellas on court 3 as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Actor Dustin Hoffman, left, and Lisa Hoffman arrive on day five of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Friday July 5, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

Actor Dustin Hoffman, left, and Lisa Hoffman arrive on day five of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Friday July 5, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa in the royal box on centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa in the royal box on centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after defeating Bianca Andreescu of Canada in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after defeating Bianca Andreescu of Canada in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after winning a point against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after winning a point against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

“I push the opponent just to be at 100%, physically and mentally, and play at 100%,” Alcaraz said, describing the mindset that has helped him go 12-1 in five-setters. "Sometimes for the other player, it's difficult to (stay) at this kind of intensity."

In front of a Centre Court crowd that included Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, and under a closed retractable roof that amplified the thuds of rackets-on-balls, grunts and cheers, the third-seeded Alcaraz was outplayed for stretches by No. 29 Tiafoe.

But Alcaraz was better at the business end, the way he was when overturning 2-1 deficits in sets before winning in five in the semifinals and final en route to the French Open title last month.

“I let him dictate a little too much,” Tiafoe said. “Yeah, I mean, that’s kind of all it was.”

He was unable to pull out what would have been a breakthrough victory for someone who arrived at Wimbledon with a sprained ligament in his right knee and a losing record this season.

Sure came close, though.

The 26-year-old American was two points away from getting the chance to serve for the win, getting to love-30 on Alcaraz’s serve at 4-all in the fourth set.

“Huge,” Tiafoe called it.

But Alcaraz claimed the next four points, capped by an ace at 130 mph (210 kph). He then dominated the ensuing tiebreaker, grabbing a 5-0 lead.

In the final set, Tiafoe held in the opening game, but that was pretty much that. At 1-all, Alcaraz got the last break he needed by smacking a passing shot Tiafoe let fly by; the ball at the baseline, spraying chalk.

Women reaching the fourth round on a rainy day were 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff, 2021 U.S. Open winner Emma Raducanu, French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini, No. 19 Emma Navarro — the American who eliminated Naomi Osaka earlier in the week — 2017 U.S. Open finalist Madison Keys, Donna Vekic and Lulu Sun. Four men's matches didn't get down because of the showers, but No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 12 Tommy Paul did advance.

Gauff, who is seeded No. 2, will face Navarro in an all-American matchup for a berth in the quarterfinals, where neither has been at Wimbledon.

“At this point,” Gauff said, “it feels as if losing in the fourth or the quarterfinals feels the same, in a way, just because I do have such big aspirations.”

Most of the attention Friday was on Alcaraz and Tiafoe, two known for providing a show. Alcaraz delivered on-the-run, back-to-the-net ’tweeners and pointed to his ear to ask spectators for more noise; Tiafoe interacted with the fans, too, waving to them to get louder.

These two good-naturedly traded some mild trash talk when they found out they’d be facing each other, and they hugged and chatted at the net when it was over.

Tiafoe stopped playing during a match last month at the Queen’s Club event after hurting his knee, and was just 13-14 in 2024 before Wimbledon, with some of those losses coming against players he referred to as “clowns,” without naming names.

“It was huge for me to be in that environment again and play a match of such high quality. Me coming after one of the best players in the world and putting my game on display at the highest level, (at) a court I’ve never played on. So that definitely sparked a huge light under me,” Tiafoe said. “I mean, I had so much fun playing out there. I felt so comfortable. I really thought the match was there for me to take.”

After Tiafoe, who wore a black sleeve on his right knee, slipped and went down to the ground a couple of times Friday, Alcaraz walked around the net to the other side of the court to check on him or offer a hand to help him get to his feet.

There were fewer of the sorts of lengthy, extended exchanges they engaged in at Flushing Meadows a little less than two years ago — when Alcaraz defeated Tiafoe in a five-setter in the U.S. Open semifinals — mostly owing to the speedier grass that tends to end points quickly. Still, there was shared excellence aplenty, including a 22-stroke point that Alcaraz won to help lead 4-2 in the first set.

Tiafoe broke right back and soon owned that set. Alcaraz righted himself in the second. Then it was Tiafoe’s turn to play better in the third. And, ultimately, it was Alcaraz who emerged.

“A lot of up and downs,” Alcaraz said.

Now he'll continue to pursue a second consecutive title at the All England Club and fourth Grand Slam trophy overall, including the recent triumph in Paris that made the 21-year-old Spaniard the youngest man to win a major on all three surfaces.

“Especially if I want to win one of these things, I've got to beat him,” Tiafoe said. “This one hurts a little more than the (U.S.) Open. I feel like the Open, I was kind of hanging on for dear life. I thought this one was more one I thought was kind of on my racket at times.”

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Emma Raducanu of Britain reacts after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Emma Raducanu of Britain reacts after defeating Maria Sakkari of Greece in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Coco Gauff of the United States is congratulated by Sonay Kartal, right, of Britain following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States is congratulated by Sonay Kartal, right, of Britain following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return to Sonay Kartal of Britain during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States plays a backhand return to Sonay Kartal of Britain during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Sonay Kartal of Britain in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after defeating Sonay Kartal of Britain in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Tommy Paul of the United States reacts after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Tommy Paul of the United States reacts after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Juan Carlos Ferrero, left, coach of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts following his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Juan Carlos Ferrero, left, coach of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts following his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz serves to Francis Tiafoe, top, of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz serves to Francis Tiafoe, top, of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, looks over at Francis Tiafoe of the United States who fell during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, looks over at Francis Tiafoe of the United States who fell during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a backhand return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States plays a backhand return to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his third round match against Francis Tiafoe of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States lays on the court during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States lays on the court during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, left, at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany, right, watch the third round match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Francis Tiafoe of the United States on Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany, right, watch the third round match between Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Francis Tiafoe of the United States on Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts during his third round match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts after winning a point against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Francis Tiafoe of the United States reacts after winning a point against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz plays shot between his legs to Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz plays shot between his legs to Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, right, embraces Francis Tiafoe of the United States following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, right, embraces Francis Tiafoe of the United States following their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning a point against Francis Tiafoe of the United States during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators sit on the Hill under umbrellas as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators sit on the Hill under umbrellas as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Spectators line up outside the venue as they wait for the gates to open ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators line up outside the venue as they wait for the gates to open ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The outside courts under covers ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The outside courts under covers ahead of play for the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators walk around the venue as rain delays the start of play ahead of third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators walk around the venue as rain delays the start of play ahead of third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Spectators sit under umbrellas on court 3 as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Spectators sit under umbrellas on court 3 as rain delays the start to the third round matches at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Actor Dustin Hoffman, left, and Lisa Hoffman arrive on day five of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Friday July 5, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

Actor Dustin Hoffman, left, and Lisa Hoffman arrive on day five of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Friday July 5, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa in the royal box on centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa in the royal box on centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after defeating Bianca Andreescu of Canada in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after defeating Bianca Andreescu of Canada in their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after winning a point against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy reacts after winning a point against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during their third round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — Hurricane Beryl swept ashore in Texas as a Category 1 storm in the dark of the early morning hours Monday, lashing Houston with heavy rains and powerful winds, and knocking out power to more than 1 million homes and businesses as fast rising waters caused street flooding and prompted rescues.

Beryl had already cut a deadly path through parts of Mexico and the Caribbean before turning toward Texas, and hit land around 4 a.m. High waters quickly began to close streets in storm-weary Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, which was again under flood warnings after heavy storms in recent months washed out neighborhoods.

CenterPoint Energy in Houston reported more than 1 million homes and businesses were without power hours after the storm made landfall. Flood warnings were in effect across a wide stretch of the Texas coast, where a powerful storm surge pushed water ashore, and further inland as heavy rain continued to fall.

Police in the Houston suburb of Rosenberg urged residents to stay off the roads, reporting that one of its high-water rescue vehicles had been hit by a falling tree while returning from a rescue. Video footage showed heavy street flooding in the barrier island city of Galveston, and Houston was under a flash flood warning for most of the morning as heavy rain continued to soak the city.

The National Weather Service expected Beryl to weaken to a tropical storm Monday and a tropical depression Tuesday, forecasting a turn to the northeast and increase in speed Monday night and Tuesday. The storm’s center is expected to move over eastern Texas on Monday and then through the lower Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Beryl’s moving inland but this is not the end of the story yet,” said Jack Beven, senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center.

In the Texas coastal city of Freeport, Patti Richardson said she was riding out the the storm in her 123-year-old house.

“We are sitting in the middle of it. It sounds like we are in a train station, it’s that loud and has been about four hours. We’re just hoping everything holds together,” Richardson said. “You can feel the house shaking ... It’s freaky.”

Beryl had weakened to a tropical storm after damaging Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, but became a hurricane again late Sunday. The storm’s center hit land around 4 a.m. about 85 miles (137 kilometers) southwest of Houston with top sustained winds of 80 mph (128.7 kph).

More than 1,000 flights have been canceled at Houston’s two airports, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

The earliest storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, Beryl caused at least 11 deaths as it passed through the Caribbean on its way to Texas. The storm ripped off doors, windows and roofs with devastating winds and storm surge fueled by the Atlantic’s record warmth.

Three times during its one week of life, Beryl has gained 35 mph (56 kph) in wind speed in 24 hours or less, the official weather service definition of rapid intensification.

Beryl’s explosive growth into an unprecedented early whopper of a storm indicates the hot water of the Atlantic and Caribbean and what the Atlantic hurricane belt can expect for the rest of the storm season, experts said.

Texas officials warned people along the entire coastline to prepare for possible flooding, heavy rain and wind. The hurricane warning extended from Baffin Bay, south of Corpus Christi, to Sargent, south of Houston.

Potential storm surges between 4 and 7 feet (1.22 and 2.13 meters) above ground level were forecast around Matagorda. The warnings extended to the same coastal areas where Hurricane Harvey came ashore in 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, far more powerful than Beryl.

In Louisiana, heavy bands of rain are expected all day Monday and “the risk is going to be for that heavy rainfall and potential for flash flooding,” National Weather Service meteorologist Donald Jones said in a Monday morning Facebook Live briefing.

Meteorologists in Louisiana are watching for lingering rainbands, which could drop copious amounts of rain wherever they materialize, as well as “quick, spin-up tornadoes,” said Donald Jones, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“It’s just a matter of exactly where that’s going to be,” Jones said. “That’s very difficult to predict more than maybe an hour or so in advance.”

Tornadoes were also possible in eastern Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, the hurricane center said.

People on the Texas coast boarded up windows and left beach towns under an evacuation order.

The hurricane center warned residents to be prepared for possible flash flooding in parts of middle, upper and eastern Texas as well as Arkansas as the storm gradually turns to the north and then northeast later Monday.

People on the Texas coast boarded up windows and left beach towns under an evacuation order. Many residents and business owners took the typical storm precautions but also expressed uncertainty about the storm’s intensity.

In Port Lavaca, Jimmy May fastened plywood over the windows of his electrical supply company and said he wasn’t concerned about the possible storm surge. He recalled his business had escaped flooding in a previous hurricane that brought a 20-foot (6-meter) storm surge.

“In town, you know, if you’re in the low-lying areas, obviously, you need to get out of there,” he said.

The White House said Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had sent emergency responders, search-and-rescue teams, bottled water and other resources along the coast.

Several coastal counties called for voluntary evacuations in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Local officials also banned beach camping and urged tourists traveling on the Fourth of July holiday weekend to move recreational vehicles from coastal parks.

Beryl battered Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane last week, toppling trees but causing no injuries or deaths before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved across the Yucatan Peninsula.

Before hitting Mexico, Beryl wrought destruction in Jamaica, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Three people were reported dead in Grenada, three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, three in Venezuela and two in Jamaica.

Valerie Gonzalez reported from McAllen, Texas. Associated Press reporters Margery A. Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Julie Walker in New York contributed.

An oil tanker heads out to open water as surfers take advantage of waves ahead of Hurricane Beryl's arrival in Port Aransas, Texas, Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

An oil tanker heads out to open water as surfers take advantage of waves ahead of Hurricane Beryl's arrival in Port Aransas, Texas, Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Sherry Cothron and Jimmy May board windows as they prepare for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Sherry Cothron and Jimmy May board windows as they prepare for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A hotel guest navigates the halls after power was lost due to Hurricane Beryl, Monday, July 8, 2024, in Bay City, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A hotel guest navigates the halls after power was lost due to Hurricane Beryl, Monday, July 8, 2024, in Bay City, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Ed Campbell works to secure his boat as he prepares for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. Although Beryl remained a tropical storm Sunday as it churned toward Texas, it threatened to potentially regain hurricane strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Ed Campbell works to secure his boat as he prepares for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. Although Beryl remained a tropical storm Sunday as it churned toward Texas, it threatened to potentially regain hurricane strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Leo Cardin walks past a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Leo Cardin walks past a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. Beryl is hurtling across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a collision course with Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. Beryl is hurtling across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a collision course with Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Jimmy May boards windows as he prepares for Hurricane Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Workers with the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees remove lifeguard towers from the beach near 57th Street in Galveston, Texas on Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl churns toward the Texas Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall near Matagorda Bay early Monday morning. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Workers with the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees remove lifeguard towers from the beach near 57th Street in Galveston, Texas on Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl churns toward the Texas Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall near Matagorda Bay early Monday morning. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

A message for Beryl is left on a boarded up business, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Rock Port, Texas, as the storm moves closer to the Texas coast. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A message for Beryl is left on a boarded up business, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Rock Port, Texas, as the storm moves closer to the Texas coast. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

People watch waves crash into the 37th Street rock groin in Galveston, Texas on Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl churns toward the Texas Coast. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

People watch waves crash into the 37th Street rock groin in Galveston, Texas on Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl churns toward the Texas Coast. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Doan Vu, right, and Luan Nguyen, left, board up windows as they prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Doan Vu, right, and Luan Nguyen, left, board up windows as they prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Luan Nguyen boards up windows as he helps prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall. Landfall was expected early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Luan Nguyen boards up windows as he helps prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall. Landfall was expected early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Doan Vu, left, and Luan Nguyen, right, board up windows as they prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Doan Vu, left, and Luan Nguyen, right, board up windows as they prepare for Beryl's arrival, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Palaciios, Texas. Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall early Monday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Clyde George, left, and his son Chris George board up their home ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port O'Connor, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Clyde George, left, and his son Chris George board up their home ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port O'Connor, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

A man walks his dog near a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

A man walks his dog near a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Leo Cardin walks past a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Leo Cardin walks past a Confederate Artillery Battery display as he watches storm clouds roll in ahead of Beryl, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port Lavaca, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Richard Alcazar stacks sandbags in front of the door at Atmosphere The Salon & Beyond in Galveston, Texas, Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl heads toward the Texas coast. Alcazar, a barber at the salon, prepared the doors for any possible flooding from the storm. ( Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Richard Alcazar stacks sandbags in front of the door at Atmosphere The Salon & Beyond in Galveston, Texas, Sunday, July 7, 2024, as Tropical Storm Beryl heads toward the Texas coast. Alcazar, a barber at the salon, prepared the doors for any possible flooding from the storm. ( Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP)

Blake Braun loads his dog Dolly into his family's vehicle as outer bands from Tropical Storm Beryl begin to hit the coast Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port O'Connor, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Blake Braun loads his dog Dolly into his family's vehicle as outer bands from Tropical Storm Beryl begin to hit the coast Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Port O'Connor, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

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