Alcaraz Advances in Tokyo
Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open last eight with a victory over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in Tokyo. The top seed Spaniard defeated Arnaldi 7-6(6), 6-1 on Saturday.
It was a battle at the beginning in that match. Alcaraz saved four set points in the opening set tiebreak. Despite the heat and the pressure of the moment, he kept his nerve and took the first set tiebreak 8-6.
That comeback shifted the momentum of the match. From there, Alcaraz took over and defeated Monfils in straight sets in the second set.
Dramatic First Set
Early on, Arnaldi challenged the defending champion. The Italian forced Alcaraz to fight for a close first-set tiebreak.
Alcaraz had to defend four set points. But the Spaniard stubbornly did not want to lose the set.
He played aggressive tennis and hit amazing defensive shots to stay alive. Alcaraz then fought through to win the big points and win the match.
The top seed served out the tiebreak 8-6. The first set went on for approximately 73 minutes and was the crucial period in the match.
Alcaraz Takes Control
The second set looked very different.
Alcaraz found his rhythm and began dictating more rallies. His heavy groundstrokes caused disruption to Arnaldi.
The Italian was unable to find the same momentum after losing the opening set. Alcaraz capitalized on the chance and stormed through the second set.
And he would end up winning it 6-1. The win earned Alcaraz another big title defending the crown in Tokyo.
Another Strong Week in Tokyo
Where has the Japan Open for Alcaraz been?
The 33-year-old, who began the tournament as the number one seed and defending champion. This is also his third event since his return to action following a wrist injury that sidelined him for several months.
Earlier in the tournament, he beat American Alex Michelsen in three sets, having to fight back from a set down before taking the third and deciding set 6-1.
That now gives him another shot to ride the momentum in Tokyo with his latest win over Arnaldi.
Alcaraz Faces Shapovalov Next
Now, Alcaraz will take on Denis Shapovalov in the quarter final.
The Canadian advanced to the quarter-finals with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Alejandro Tabilo of Chile.
Shapovalov will be another challenging match for Alcaraz. The Spaniard will have to sustain his attacking game and be steady in lengthy exchanges.
The victor will advance to the semi-finals of the Japan Open.
Alcaraz Continues His Tokyo Run
Alcaraz’s latest result is his resilience. Four set points in the first set tiebreak were crucial.
He was much more in command after getting out of that tight spot, and his second set was exactly why he has been one of the top players on the ATP Tour.
The second round of the Japan Open title defense is upon us. Alcaraz faces Shapovalov, hoping to keep his run alive and qualify for yet another trophy in Tokyo.
For tennis fans, it means one more glimpse of another young star of the game going for yet another ATP championship.
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