Carlos Alcaraz took just 100 minutes to secure his place in the semi-finals in Barcelona, delivering an impressive straight-sets victory over Alex de Minaur.
Fresh off a title win at the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz entered the court eager to maintain his winning momentum, overcoming his opponent with scores of 7-5, 6-3.
This match marked Alcaraz’s fourth triumph over de Minaur on the professional circuit, with the Aussie still in search of his first win against the world No. 2.
Although Alcaraz displayed a commendable level of composure throughout the match, he acknowledged that a shaky service game granted de Minaur too many opportunities in the early stages.
“I started quite poorly with my serve. I was grappling a bit mentally with that,” he remarked in the post-match interview.
Alex de Minaur observes from the sidelines during a changeover at the Barcelona Open. Europa Press via Getty Images
“Alex started strong, playing aggressively, and the first set was very tight.
“It was just those initial games with my serve, after which I believe I improved significantly.”
De Minaur, in his 50th tour-level quarter-final, jumped to a 3-1 advantage in the first set before Alcaraz levelled the scores.
The top-ranked Aussie managed to break serve again in the seventh game, but Alcaraz quickly regained control, winning four of the last five games to clinch the set.
Carlos Alcaraz in action against Alex de Minaur. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Despite adopting an “aggressive” and “fast-paced” approach in the second set, de Minaur was unable to continue his pursuit of a title.
“I’m pleased that I managed to win,” Alcaraz reflected.
“I believe I played a well-rounded match, very solid. At the start, I had a few uncertainties, but I eventually found my rhythm. In the second set, I executed some fantastic tennis.
“I’m delighted I could get through against a competitor like Alex, who consistently makes matches very challenging.”
Alcaraz is set to face Arthur Fils in the semi-finals on Sunday, after the Frenchman advanced when Stefano Tsitsipas retired in the third game of their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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