Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open after overcoming Alex de Minaur of Australia in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3.
Alcaraz, who previously won this ATP Tour 500 event in both 2022 and 2023, will now compete against 20-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils for a place in the final. This follows Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece having to withdraw from their own semi-final match against Fils due to injury.
In the other semi-final match, Holger Rune from Denmark will play against Karen Khachanov of Russia. The final is scheduled for Sunday at the Pista Rafa Nadal.
Rune secured his semi-final spot by defeating Casper Ruud of Norway with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Khachanov progressed by winning against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain 6-4, 7-5.
Alcaraz mentioned that he had a shaky start with his serve and some mental struggles at the beginning of the match. He acknowledged that he improved his serve after the initial games, regained composure, and adopted a more positive mindset.
He also noted that de Minaur began the match strongly and played aggressively, making the first set very competitive. Alcaraz expressed his satisfaction with winning the first set and his improved performance in the second set.
Alcaraz won his second ATP Tour title of the season just last Sunday in Monte-Carlo.
