Daniil Medvedev beats Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon and faces defending champ Carlos Alcaraz next

LONDON (AP) — Jannik Sinner felt ill. He was dizzy. Hadn't slept well the night before. Wimbledon's top-seeded man, who recently attained the No. 1 ranking, definitely did not want to quit playing against Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, but things were not looking good.

Sinner was treated by a trainer and left the court during the third set Tuesday, then briefly surged before faltering again down the stretch, eventually losing to a more-aggressive-than-usual Daniil Medvedev 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-3.

“I was struggling physically,” said Sinner, who had won his past five matches against Medvedev, including a five-setter in the final of the Australian Open in January. “It was not an easy moment. I tried to fight with that what I had today.”

It wasn't enough.

Not against the crafty Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion who now will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals at the All England Club for the second consecutive year.

“Was a bit up-and-down match, in a way, from both sides,” Medvedev said.

Alcaraz, the defending champion and No. 3 seed, took a bit of time to get going in his quarterfinal, but once he did, there was no stopping him during a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 12 Tommy Paul at No. 1 Court.

“We try just to find solutions,” said Alcaraz, coming off a title at the French Open last month and seeking his fourth Grand Slam trophy. “For me, obviously, it's going to be really difficult to play my best tennis every match.”

Over at Centre Court, it was not immediately clear what was wrong with Sinner, who leaned back in his sideline chair, rested his head in a hand and had his heart rate checked before heading to the locker room. During a later changeover, Sinner draped a towel over his head.

While he did regain his usual verve, particularly on his booming forehand, and pushed the match to a fifth set — the 36th this fortnight and the most at any Grand Slam tournament in the Open era, which dates to 1968 — Sinner could not get over the line.

Even though he won more points (164-160), accumulated more winners (61-56), made fewer unforced errors (49-45), hit more aces (17-15) and finished with far fewer double-faults (11-4).

“It’s a tough one to swallow,” Sinner said.

Medvedev, a 28-year-old from Russia, began playing closer to the baseline than he often does. He found the space to deliver more winners, compiling 13 in the closing set alone, broke for a 3-1 lead in the fifth, and was on his way back to the semifinals.

“Today,” Medvedev said, “a lot of tactical things worked well.”

After eliminating the 22-year-old Sinner, Medvedev now goes up against the 21-year-old Alcaraz, back-to-back tests against the two new young stars of men's tennis.

Against Paul, Alcaraz raised his level after a so-so opening set, putting together a 26-12 advantage in winners over the last three.

“When he starts building energy and building momentum ... it feels a little bit different than most of the other guys,” Paul said. “He can play some seriously amazing, amazing tennis.”

In the women’s quarterfinals, Donna Vekic reached the final four at a major for the first time in her 43rd Slam, defeating qualifier Lulu Sun 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, and French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini eliminated No. 19 Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour.

Navarro got past four-time major champion Naomi Osaka and reigning U.S. Open champ Coco Gauff earlier in the tournament.

“I know this isn’t the last time I’m going to be in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam,” Navarro said. “I know I’ll be back.”

Vekic, a 28-year-old from Croatia, pondered quitting the sport on multiple occasions — including as recently as right before play began at Roland Garros in May.

“I didn’t have any energy, any motivation to keep practicing, keep pushing, because I felt like the last couple months I’ve given everything for tennis, and I wasn’t getting the results that I kind of expected,” Vekic said.

“Now I'm the semifinals,” Vekic said. “Not just in tennis, (but) in life, things can turn pretty fast.”

Sinner was a Wimbledon semifinalist a year ago and carried a nine-match winning streak into Tuesday, including a grass-court title at Halle, Germany, last month. He moved up to No. 1 in the ATP rankings, replacing Novak Djokovic there, on June 10 after getting to the semifinals at the French Open.

His exit follows that of the No. 1 women's seed, Iga Swiatek, in the third round. It is the first time since 2018 that both the top woman and top man are gone from Wimbledon before the semifinals. That year, Roger Federer lost in the quarterfinals, and Simona Halep in the third round.

Against Sinner in Australia, Medvedev took the first two sets. But Sinner clawed all the way back to win his first Grand Slam title.

That result dropped Medvedev’s career record in major finals to 1-5. Now he’s one victory from a seventh such appearance.

“Hopefully I can win some more Grand Slams,” Medvedev said. “I believe in myself. I believe in my tennis.”

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

Daniil Medvedev of Russia plays a forehand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy celebrates after defeating Emma Navarro of the United States in their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Emma Navarro of the United States plays a forehand return to Jasmine Paolini of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Lulu Sun of New Zealand in their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Jasmine Paolini of Italy celebrates after defeating Emma Navarro of the United States in their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during his quarterfinal match against Tommy Paul of the United States at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Tommy Paul of the United States plays a forehand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand return to Tommy Paul of the United States during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrates after defeating Jannik Sinner of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Jannik Sinner of Italy covers his face with a towel during his quarterfinal against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after defeating Tommy Paul of the United States in their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts during her quarterfinal match against Lulu Sun of New Zealand at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Lulu Sun of New Zealand reacts during her quarterfinal match against Donna Vekic of Croatia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Lulu Sun of New Zealand rests between games during her quarterfinal match against Donna Vekic of Croatia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Donna Vekic of Croatia plays a forehand return to Lulu Sun of New Zealand during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Lulu Sun of New Zealand plays a backhand return to Donna Vekic of Croatia during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Donna Vekic of Croatia plays a forehand return to Lulu Sun of New Zealand during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts as he receives treatment from a trainer during his quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand return to Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Daniil Medvedev of Russia plays a forehand return to Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Daniil Medvedev of Russia reacts after winning a point against Jannik Sinner of Italy during their quarterfinal match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts as he receives treatment from a trainer during his quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland holds a presidential election Sunday as the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda nears the end of his second and final term. If none of the 13 candidates wins at least 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held June 1 between the top two. All signs indicate it will be a showdown between Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki.

While much of the power in Poland lies with the prime minister and legislature, the presidency is far more than ceremonial, with influence over foreign policy and military affairs and ability to veto legislation.

Here is a look at the top four candidates:

Trzaskowski, a political ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has been leading in polls with support just above 30% — a clear edge over his two main rivals, both conservative nationalists.

Supporters of the 53-year-old praise his pro-European stance and his role in modernizing Warsaw, which has seen significant infrastructure and cultural investment during his tenure.

However, Poland remains a largely conservative, Catholic country. Trzaskowski’s liberal views — particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and participation in Pride parades — alienate some voters outside urban centers. He also faces criticism over local governance, including allegations of inefficiency, controversial real estate management and perceived wasteful spending.

In a runoff, he could expect the bulk of right-wing voters to coalesce behind the other candidate. Trzaskowski could also be vulnerable to voter apathy among centrists and progressives who are frustrated with Tusk’s inability to deliver on key campaign promises, such as loosening Poland’s strict abortion law.

This is the second presidential campaign for Trzaskowski after Duda narrowly defeated him five years ago.

Nawrocki, 42, is the candidate representing Poland’s conservative Law and Justice party. The historian currently heads the Institute of National Remembrance, where he angered Russia with efforts to topple Soviet-era memorials. He previously directed the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, putting his national conservative stamp on the institution. His academic work has focused on anti-communist resistance and organized crime in communist-era Poland.

He is not a party member, and his candidacy represents the Law and Justice party's strategy to present a fresh face as it aims to regain influence. The party ruled for eight years but lost power to Tusk's coalition in 2023.

Nawrocki’s campaign has been marred by controversies.

Journalists revealed that in 2018, under the pseudonym “Tadeusz Batyr,” he published a book on a notorious gangster. In a television interview, Batyr — with his face blurred and his voice altered — praised Nawrocki’s work without disclosing they were the same person. Separately Nawrocki, using his real identity, praised Batyr's work.

Nawrocki also been linked to a scandal involving the acquisition of an apartment from an elderly pensioner named Jerzy. Allegations suggest Nawrocki promised to care for Jerzy in return but failed to fulfill the commitment, leading the man to end up in a state-funded retirement home. Nawrocki denies wrongdoing in both cases.

At 38, Sławomir Mentzen has emerged as a prominent figure in the presidential race, leveraging his savvy use of social media platforms to connect with younger voters. His sleek videos and populist messaging have resonated with many young people, especially men. Mentzen also has been actively touring the country, aiming to broaden his appeal to older demographics.

The rise of his Confederation party coincides with a broader surge of populist right-wing movements across Europe.

However, Mentzen’s political journey has not been without controversy. In 2019, he made headlines with a statement outlining what he termed the “Five Points of Confederation”: “We don’t want Jews, homosexuals, abortion, taxes or the European Union.”

While he later said the remark was taken out of context, it has continued to shadow him. Although the Confederation party has emphasized its free-market positions and distanced itself from some extreme elements, many Poles remain wary of Mentzen’s past statements.

He experienced an early surge in the polls that faded after he advocated for the introduction of tuition fees at state universities, a stance that proved unpopular given Poland’s tradition of free higher education.

He also has taken a hard-line position on abortion, opposing it even in cases of rape — a view that for many went too far.

Mentzen is also a successful entrepreneur. He has degrees in economics and physics and owns a brewery in the central city of Torun that has produced beers with names such as “White IPA Matters,” “Hate Speech” and “Bitcoin.” The “White IPA Matters” beer had a marketing campaign featuring a Black bartender, triggering controversy.

In a personal revelation, Mentzen disclosed in 2024 that he has autism. He shared that while he possesses strong concentration skills, he sometimes struggles with interpreting others’ emotions.

Szymon Hołownia, 48, is a former television personality who transitioned into politics, bringing charisma and a fresh face to the political scene.

Once a seminary student, he became widely known as the co-host of Poland’s version of “Got Talent.” His political journey began in earnest with his candidacy in the 2020 presidential election, where he secured nearly 14% of the vote to finish third.

In 2020, Hołownia founded the Poland 2050 movement, which evolved into a political party. In the 2023 election, the party joined forces with the conservative agrarian Polish People's Party to create the Third Way coalition, which then joined Tusk's coalition. Hołownia was elected as the speaker of the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament.

His showman's flair energized Poles hungry for new faces in a political scene dominated by many of the same figures for decades, including Tusk. Captivated citizens began watching live sessions of parliament online, drawn by his energy and wit.

Some analysts say his decision to join Tusk's government, however, has undermined his image as a refreshing outsider.

This combination of photos shows Slawomir Mentzen, left, in Katowice, Poland, on Sept. 23, 2023 and Szymon Holownia in Warsaw, Poland, on Nov. , 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)

This combination of photos shows Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, left, in Warsaw, Poland, on March 14, 2022 and Karol Nawrocki in Szeligi near Warsaw, Poland, on March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)