World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz overcame a tough challenge from Andrey Rublev, edging out a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory after breaking the Russian in the final game. Despite losing focus while serving for the match at 5-4, Alcaraz regained control to seal the win, helped by Rublev’s eighth double fault on match point.
Alcaraz will now face third seed Alexander Zverev, who comfortably defeated Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-2. The 2021 champion dominated throughout, taking a 4-1 lead in the second set as Shelton showed his frustration by tossing his racquet.
Zverev admitted post-match:
“I’m not feeling too great now, but I have a day to get fresh. I hope to be at 100%. I’ll do all I can to give it a shot tomorrow.”
Alcaraz, who has already claimed five titles this year, including the French Open and Masters 1000s in Monte Carlo and Rome, continues to show his resilience on the big stage.
