Carlos Alcaraz showcased his impressive skills when it mattered most at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Tuesday. The Spanish tennis star, currently ranked No. 3, battled through a tough fourth-round match against Karen Khachanov, eventually coming out on top with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Although Alcaraz faced some challenges, including losing a break lead in both the second and third sets, he managed to bounce back and maintain his undefeated record against Khachanov.
Alcaraz’s Resilience Shines Through
“It feels incredible to win against such a strong opponent like Khachanov,” Alcaraz expressed after the match. He admitted to feeling a bit fatigued, despite not experiencing any physical pain. “The match was really tough, and I had to fight for every point, which makes me proud.”
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz acknowledged that he lost a bit of focus after leading in the second set but was pleased that he was able to regroup and come back strong in the final set. With this hard-fought victory, Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals in Rome for the first time and has now made it to this stage in all nine Masters 1000 events. He is also the first Spaniard to reach the last eight in Rome since Rafael Nadal in 2021. Jaume Munar could join him later in the tournament if he defeats Casper Ruud.
Currently boasting a record of 26 wins and 5 losses for the year, including an impressive 12-1 on clay, Alcaraz is set to face fifth seed Jack Draper in the semi-finals. Draper earned his spot by overcoming Corentin Moutet. This match will be significant, as it features the top two players in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. Alcaraz holds a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, leading 3-2, but Draper won their most recent match in March.
“Jack is playing exceptionally well,” Alcaraz remarked about Draper. “I’ve been keeping an eye on his matches, and I know I need to be ready for a tough battle.”
In the early stages of his match against Khachanov, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, even dropping his serve in the first game. However, he quickly turned things around, demonstrating his talent with a series of impressive shots that energized the crowd. Despite Khachanov’s strong performance, which included a streak of four consecutive games that led to a deciding set, Alcaraz managed to regain his composure and secure the win by breaking Khachanov’s serve in the final game.
The match was closely contested, with Khachanov even winning more points overall (98 to 95). However, Alcaraz’s 41 winners outshone Khachanov’s 17, showcasing the young Spaniard’s powerful game. This victory not only boosts Alcaraz’s confidence but also solidifies his reputation as one of the rising stars in the world of tennis.