One Step Closer To Djokovic Clash: Alcaraz Battles Through To Cincinnati Semifinals

| by Evita Mueller

Carlos Alcaraz is through to the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals after overcoming a really strong effort from Max Purcell.

The Australian has been playing amazing tennis for a while now, and this run was only the latest one, as he went from the qualifiers to the quarter-finals of the ATP 1000 event. He defeated Wawrinka to book a spot in the quarter-final, and after one set, Purcell was on the verge of beating the world number one.

It's probably not something he dreamed of ever doing, but there he was, leading 1-0 after taking the opening set 6-4. Purcell played his signature aggressive style and saw it work about as well as you can hope. He blasted four aces and 12 winners, which was more than Alcaraz.

Outhitting Alcaraz is very hard to do, but Purcell did it in the opening set, and that's why he won it. The seconds it was much better by Alcaraz, who had to overcome a rain delay yesterday. He got serious on his serve, cruising through the games without facing a single break point while he used the only one Purcell gave him.

Gauff Sets Up Highly-Anticipated Swiatek Clash In Cincinnati Semifinals
Gauff Sets Up Highly-Anticipated Swiatek Clash In Cincinnati Semifinals

The Spaniard has a habit of wasting far too many break chances, but he knew that being clinical was paramount against Purcell. Due to that, Alcaraz also opened the final set with an early break. Purcell wasn't hitting as many winners as he did in the opening set, as Alcaraz increased his level as well.

He had 14 winners in the second set and 17 in the final set. The final score was 4-6 6-4 6-4 for the Spaniard, who moves on to face Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-final. He's been far better this week than last, and it's a good thing to see.

Wins never hurt, and even though Alcaraz doesn't need any confidence boosters, winning a trophy before the US Open would be great, especially when he's battling Djokovic for the number one rank.

Monfils Takes Home Djokovic's Autograph As Souvenir Despite Losing 19th Match In A Row
Monfils Takes Home Djokovic's Autograph As Souvenir Despite Losing 19th Match In A Row

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles