(Tennis news) Carlos Alcaraz Garfia beat Matteo Berrettini in a war of forehands as the teenager took out the world number seven at Vienna Open. Carlos has entered the semifinals of the Masters 500 event for the first time and will face Alexander Zverev for a place in the finals. The teenager had beaten Daniel Evans, Andy Murray in the earlier rounds and will have a big test ahead against Zverev. Carlos defeated Berrettini 6-1, 6-7(2-7), 7-6(7-5).
“This is one of my best performances on Tour so far,” Alcaraz said. “I am really happy for that and it was amazing. I just tried to play aggressively all the time. In the tough moments it was important to be able to do that.”
Frances Tiafoe was having a below average year until he played at Vienna as he reached his first semifinal of the year by beating Diego Schwartzman in the quarterfinals. Tiafoe showed skill and speed to defeat the Argentine who is known for his court coverage. Tiafoe earlier had defeated top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and completed the match against Schwartzman under 2 hours. Tiafoe defeated Schwartzman 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).
“I was playing great tennis, I was happy where I was at. New balls came and I got a little lackadaisical that game. Then Diego just kind of started locking in,” Tiafoe said. “I started rushing, I started trying to hit everything as hard as I could. It was not fun. I don’t know what to tell you, it was not fun. There was not one part of it that was fun."
Alexander Zverev made no mistakes this time as he went past Felix Auger-Aliassime, Felix had defeated Zverev in their previous meeting at Wimbledon a few months ago. Zverev was hitting the ball well in the first set and took it in 40 minutes but in the second set he seemed a bit rusty as Felix took the second set in half an hour. Zverev regained his energy and form in the decider as he broke Felix in the sixth game with a strong backhand which was enough to take the lead and win the match. Zverev defeated Felix 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
“I did make it difficult for myself once again, that needs to stop happening,” Zverev said. “One easy mistake and the second set went away. But I am proud of myself because at the beginning of the second set it could have gone his way easily.” Zverev will next face Alcaraz and will be meeting the young Spaniard for the second time after their third round match up in Acapulco which Zverev won in straight sets.
“Alcaraz has improved a lot," Zverev added. "He has made big steps forward and is a great player, so I am looking forward to that match.”
Jannik Sinner made a big breakthrough as he beat Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals as he increased his chances to compete at the ATP year end finals. Sinner had beaten Casper last year at Vienna in the third round on straight sets and now he has the same points as Casper in the race to the season finale. Sinner broke Casper in the 11th game of the first set with a huge down the line forehand to eventually take the set with another scintillating forehand.
Sinner’s groundstrokes were fast and furious which Casper was unable to catch up on. The first set lasted for 57 minutes and the second got over in 20 minutes as Sinner did not let time affect his form or stamina but it did get to Casper. Sinner defeated Ruud 7-5, 6-1.
“I think today there was not a lot of rhythm, not so many exchanges. I served well today, I have to say, especially on the important points," Sinner said in his post-match interview. "Obviously there was a lot of pressure on both sides. I’m happy how I controlled the match emotionally and everything together. I would say it was a good match.” Sinner will next face Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Also read: Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner hoping to gain crucial points at Paris
