Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Japan Open semifinals with a resounding victory over Brandon Nakashima. This triumph allowed him to equal his personal best, reaching his 65th victory of the season. After overcoming concerns about an ankle injury suffered on Thursday, Alcaraz demonstrated total dominance on the court, securing the victory with a score of 6-2 and 6-4. This victory takes him to his ninth consecutive semifinal in a tour-level tournament. Nakashima couldn’t counter Alcaraz’s serve, who achieved 25 winning shots against the American. Although Alcaraz could have sealed the victory earlier, he didn’t take advantage of three match points.
The ATP Tour reported that this victory equals Alcaraz’s 65 wins in 2023. In the next round, Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud, who defeated Aleksandar Vukic in under an hour, with a score of 6-3 and 6-2.I always say that closing out a match is difficult. Even more difficult when you have match points, as happened to me when I was returning. Losing that game, I thought it was going to be really difficult, but I just tried to stay focused and play some great points in the last game. I don’t think I’ve played a last game like this, so I’m very happy.
Carlos Alcaraz
On the other hand, Taylor Fritz, the second seed, fought to beat Sebastian Korda with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (5), and 6-3, thus securing his place in the semi-final against Jenson Brooksby. Brooksby, in turn, overcame the third seed, Holger Rune, with a result of 6-3 and 6-3.
