Carlos Alcaraz confused the semi -final of the Japan open on Sunday with a comfortable victory over Brandon Nakashima, equal to a personal record with his 65th competition win of the season.
After removing concern about an ankle injury, Alcaraz seemed full control in a 6-2, 6-4 victory that brought him in the semi-final of a ninth consecutive Tour level event.
Nakashima could not handle Alcaraz’s serve when he hit 25 winners past the American. Alcaraz may have packed the victory earlier, but could not be in use at three match points.
“I always say that closing a competition is difficult,” said Alcaraz. “Even more difficult when you had match points, as I did when I came back. Losing that game, I thought it would be very difficult, but I just tried to keep my focus and play some great points in the last game. I don’t think I played a last game like this, so I’m really happy with it.”
The ATP tour said the victory in 2023 corresponded to the 65 victories of Alcaraz.
Alcaraz then records Casper Ruud, who needed less than an hour to beat Aleksandar Vukic 6-3, 6-2.
Second Seed Taylor Fritz fought its way along Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3 to set up a semi-final against fellow American Jenson Brooksby, who saw third seed Holger Rune 6-3, 6-3.
The Associated Press and PA have contributed to this report.
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