ATP Miami: Another day, another straight set win for Carlos Alcaraz
- Planet Sport writer
- 29 March 2023
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz eased past Tommy Paul 6-4 6-4 in the last 16 of the Miami Open.
Alcaraz, fresh from his recent success in Indian Wells, seldom gave the American a look-in in a dominant performance which saw him hit 22 winners to book a quarterfinal clash with Taylor Fritz.
The world number one has now gone nine consecutive matches without dropping a set.
The 19-year-old, who needs to win the title to retain top spot in the rankings, told
atptour.com: "I played a really great match and I hope to play the same level in the quarterfinal.
"I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked, and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to go through."
Karen Khachanov won his first tour match against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the seventh attempt with a 7-6(4) 6-4 success to join Alcaraz in the last eight, while Jannik Sinner was a 6-2 6-4 victor over Andrey Rublev.
"They say third time is a charm, but for me it took seven times, so I'm super happy," said Khachanov.
"Not most importantly that I beat Stefanos, but I think with the way I'm playing. After the Australian Open, I had some issue with an injury. I came back in Dubai without having played many matches and I'm just happy to continue that level.
"I just want to continue that way, enjoy the process, and enjoy the journey. It continues."
