New Delhi: On Thursday, world number three Carlos Alcaraz moved one step closer to a potential Olympic Games clash with Novak Djokovic, delivering a performance so impressive it had the queen of Spain rising to her feet.
In a thrilling match at the Olympic Games on Thursday, world number three Carlos Alcaraz brought the queen of Spain to her feet with a dominant performance, edging closer to a potential showdown with Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz, competing on the same Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros where he won the French Open in June, defeated 13th-ranked Tommy Paul of the United States 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).
The 21-year-old Spaniard bounced back from a break down in the second set to overcome Paul, having previously bested the American in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on his way to the title at the All England Club last month.
During the tense second-set tie-break, Alcaraz saved a set point, causing even Queen Letizia to show her nerves courtside. She later joined in a rousing standing ovation for Alcaraz’s impressive performance.
“It’s all about the fight,” remarked Alcaraz, reflecting on the match a day after he and Rafael Nadal experienced a heartbreaking doubles loss, likely marking Nadal’s final appearance at Roland Garros.
“Maybe I was a little tired from all the emotion of yesterday, playing with Rafa but I gave it everything on court,” said Alcaraz.
“I had to play with intensity because Tommy is such a great athlete. I was a bit tired at the end but I just remember that I am playing for my country as well as myself.”
The Spanish star is now set to face either Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime for a spot in the gold medal match.
Top seed Djokovic, in the other half of the draw, tackles Stefanos Tsitsipas in his quarterfinal later Thursday.