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Carlos Alcaraz Advances to Quarter-Finals in Barcelona Open
Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive run at the Barcelona Open, securing a spot in the quarter-finals following a straight-sets victory over Laslo Djere. The match concluded with a score of 6-2, 6-4, allowing the Spanish world number two to build on his recent success at the Monte Carlo Masters.
In a commanding performance, Alcaraz dominated the first set, winning the initial five games and delivering eight consecutive winners. His early display showcased his powerful game and tactical prowess.
However, the match took a turn in the second set as Alcaraz found himself trailing 4-2. Demonstrating resilience, the four-time Grand Slam champion rallied to win the last four games, ultimately sealing the match. “After going 4-2 down in the second, I played a bit more like what my level is,” Alcaraz reflected post-match. He expressed satisfaction with his ability to elevate his performance, stating, “I am very happy that I could step up my level and seem more like my best, and I want to continue.”
The 21-year-old will face fifth seed Alex de Minaur in the next round. De Minaur secured his place in the quarter-finals with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 win over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. Fearnley had previously claimed his first ATP Tour match victory on clay against Spain’s Roberto Carballes but could not maintain that momentum against the experienced Australian.
In other notable matches, Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev exited the tournament after losing to unseeded Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-4. Fokina’s impressive victory sets him up for a quarter-final clash against another unseeded competitor, Russian Karen Khachanov, who defeated Spain’s Jaume Munar 7-5, 6-4.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz as he seeks to maintain his momentum and continue his ascent in the tennis world.
Source
www.bbc.com