Alcaraz Matches Personal Best with Ninth Consecutive Semifinal Appearance
Carlos Alcaraz Advances to Ninth Consecutive Semifinal in Tokyo
Carlos Alcaraz Secures Semifinal Spot in Tokyo Tournament
Carlos Alcaraz continues his impressive performance on the ATP circuit, advancing to his ninth consecutive semifinal by defeating Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4 in Tokyo. This accomplishment now places Alcaraz among the elite, as such a feat had previously been achieved only by the likes of tennis legends from the ‘Big Three’ since 1990.
Highlights of Alcaraz’s Victory Against Nakashima
During the match, Alcaraz exhibited extraordinary skills, notably scoring one of the year’s most remarkable points with a signature cross-court shot. Despite Nakashima’s spirited efforts to save three match points, Alcaraz’s relentless play left his opponent unable to counter the powerful forehands (25 winners) coming his way.
Breaking Records and Setting New Targets
This victory not only advances Alcaraz to the semifinals but also ties his record of 65 wins in a single season, a milestone he achieved back in 2023. As he moves forward, Alcaraz has his sights set on achieving eight titles in one season, an ambitious goal that could set a new record.
Nakashima’s Struggle Against Dominant Alcaraz
Brandon Nakashima, currently ranked 33rd, struggled in the face of Alcaraz’s dominant performance. Though Nakashima had previously claimed a single professional title in his hometown of San Diego in 2022, he found himself overpowered from the start, losing his serve in the first game and managing only two winners in the initial set.
Upcoming Semifinal Clash: Alcaraz vs. Casper Ruud
As Alcaraz progresses to the semifinals, he will face a formidable opponent in Casper Ruud, ranked 12th in the ATP. Ruud recently defeated Aleksander Bublik 6-3, 6-2 in just 58 minutes to secure his semifinal spot. The upcoming match promises to be thrilling, with the two having been teammates at the recent Laver Cup in San Francisco, now turning rivals with a final at stake.
