Carlos Alcaraz crushes Karen Khachanov to enter China Open semi-finals

Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the semi-finals of China Open by beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final. With this one, Alcaraz has come at levels with his performance last year. The 21-year-old lost to the eventual champion, Jannik Sinner in the semi finals of ATP 500 Beijing Tour in the previous edition. This year, Alcaraz kicked off the season with a commanding win over Giovanni Mpteshi Perricard in a match that witnessed Alcaraz picking two time violation penalties. Next up, the World No. 3 ranked player defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2 in the second-round match on Sunday.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Karen Khachanov to enter China Open semi-finals

On Monday, the Spaniard secured an impressive 7-5, 6-2 win over Karen Khachanov, earning his place in the semi-finals of the ATP 500 Beijing Tour. Alcaraz maintained pressure in the return games throughout the 96-minute clash, with Khachanov putting up a strong fight. However, playing the opponent to the reigning Wimbledon champion, Khachanov was ultimately unable to match Alcaraz's consistency from the baseline. The 21-year-old Spaniard capitalized on four of the 12 break opportunities he created against Khachanov.

“I always try to be aggressive, hitting strong shots, and I feel like I’m not afraid to show that,” said Alcaraz who completed 200 career wins on Sunday. “To try again and again. That’s what I’m feeling right now. In the past matches, everything went well, so I can’t complain at all. I know that I have to keep trying. I’m hitting the ball really well, I’m moving well, and I’m not letting my opponents show their best tennis. It’s like the match is in my style. That’s what I like and what I want in every match," he added.

This victory marks Alcaraz's 46th tour-level win in 2024, and he has risen one spot to overtake Alexander Zverev, becoming No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. The triumph also placed him ahead of Zverev in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. Already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals, the Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion is now 2,890 points behind the leader, Jannik Sinner, in the race for the ATP Year-End No. 1 title, presented by PIF. Sinner, however, had a chance to extend his lead later on Monday as he faced Jiri Lehecka in his quarter-final match in Beijing.