Alcaraz Emerges as the High-Speed Train of Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz Advances to Tokyo ATP 500 Semifinals with Stellar Performance
Alcaraz Overcomes Ankle Injury to Shine in Tokyo
Carlos Alcaraz surged through the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo like a bullet train, impressively advancing to the semifinals without any apparent strain from the ankle injury sustained in his first-round match against Sebastián Báez. In a swift 1:20h match, he defeated Brandon Nakashima with a score of 6-2, 6-4. Alcaraz is now set to face Norway’s Casper Ruud, following Ruud’s decisive victory over Australian Aleksandar Vukic (6-3, 6-2). Their semifinal showdown is scheduled for tomorrow, not before 11:00 AM local time.
Impressive Statistics Highlight Alcaraz’s Dominance
During the match, Alcaraz displayed an outstanding level of performance that left the Tokyo audience amazed. The first set saw him secure an early break, boasting 18 winners, only six unforced errors, and a perfect 11/11 on first serves. Nakashima, despite his family’s Japanese heritage and support from local fans, struggled to respond to Alcaraz’s potent drives and strategic drop shots.
Smooth Victory Propels Alcaraz to Semifinals
In the second set, Nakashima attempted to counter Alcaraz’s aggressive play, but his resistance was short-lived. Alcaraz crafted another break with a powerful cross-court forehand, setting the pace for what would be a seamless victory. The match concluded 6-4 in Alcaraz’s favor, who closed with 39 winners, including 25 forehand shots. Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz commented, “It’s probably the best moment of my career. I feel very confident, and matches like these help maintain that confidence.”
Alcaraz’s Remarkable Run Continues
Alcaraz’s entry into his ninth consecutive semifinal marks a remarkable season run, with a 49-3 record since April, including titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s, Cincinnati, and the US Open. His 65 victories this season match his career-best record, previously achieved in 2023. Yet, opportunities still await as he gears up for upcoming tournaments in Shanghai, Paris, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup.
Stay connected with El-Balad for more updates and don’t forget to subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest news alerts.
