Carlos Alcaraz is into the final of the China Open after an impressive semi-final win over Daniil Medvedev.
Second seed Alcaraz overcame Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 in their China Open clash, having fallen at the same stage in 2023.
The Spaniard lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner last time out, with the Italian having beaten Medvedev in the final.
But Alcaraz is now into the biggest stage in Beijing after edging past the Russian third seed in 88 minutes.
Medvedev labelled Alcaraz the best in the world ahead of their meeting, with the duo having just played together at the Laver Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz analyses ‘unusual’ China Open win over Daniil Medvedev
Alcaraz was expecting long rallies against Medvedev at the China Open, and that was often the case during their entertaining encounter.
As per the ATP Tour website, the Spaniard has now analysed his semi-final win, saying: “I think we both started the match pretty well. It was a little bit unusual, with serve being broken many times in the first set. I broke his serve [for 3-2] and then in the next game, I don’t know what happened to me.
“I probably lost focus a little bit, missed a few first serves that against Daniil on a hard court, is a really important weapon. You have to put good first serves in to put yourself in the position to attack.
“I’m really happy that I didn’t lose my focus too long in the first set. I recovered it as soon as I got broken, and I’m really happy that at the end of the set I was able to play really good tennis in the return game and then serving at 6-5.
“I did a really good game. After that, once you are one set up, it’s a little bit easier, playing against Daniil with more confidence.”
Daniil Medvedev struggles with injury in loss to Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz has now extended his winning run to eight tour-level matches, having seemingly recovered from his US Open nightmare.
The four-time Grand Slam champion fell at the second round stage in New York, but went on to shine at the Davis Cup and Laver Cup.
He is now the third player to make five tour-level finals this season, following in the footsteps of Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud.
Moreover, with his latest win, Alcaraz has extended his head-to-head record over Medvedev to 6-2, as well as keeping the pressure on Sinner in the race to become ATP Year-End No. 1.
The Russian certainly put up a fight in Beijing, having twice received treatment for a hip injury in the second set.
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