Alcaraz edges past Rublev to reach Cincinnati quarters

Carlos Alcaraz playing at the Cincinnati Open
Carlos Alcaraz was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the final at Wimbledon in July [Getty Images]

World number two Carlos Alcaraz battled past Andrey Rublev 6-3 4-6 7-5 to reach the Cincinnati Open semi-finals.

The Spaniard took control with the first set, but his Russian opponent produced an excellent fightback to level.

World number 11 Rublev's quality faltered, though, in the tense and decisive third set as he committed two double faults, including one on match point.

"I maintained positive thoughts all the time, even though I lost focus a few times during the second set," said Alcaraz.

"Playing someone like Andrey, when you lose focus on two or three points, it [can] cost you the set or almost the match. I just stayed strong mentally and that's what I'm most proud of."

Surviving the gruelling quarter-final, which took two hours and 17 minutes, meant Alcaraz has made the final four of the event for the second time and reached a 12th ATP 1000 semi-final.

The 22-year-old will face either American Ben Shelton or German world number three Alexander Zverev for a place in the final, while Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner and Frenchman Terence Atmane meet in the other semi-final.



* This article was originally published here

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