Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz topped Daniil Medvedev in a battle between world No. 2 and No. 3 in the men’s singles semi-finals at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion overcame the more experienced Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 in straight sets to book a spot in the final, where he will face top seed Jannik Sinner after the Italian overcame wildcard and home favourite Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 7-6.
The 21-year-old won in 88 minutes to record his eighth consecutive victory following a disappointing US Open outing where he lost to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
Alcaraz, who is now into the final in Beijing for the first time in his career, was tied at 4-4 with Medvedev in the first set after the two stars failed to hold their respective serves for three straight games.
Statement in Beijing 💯@carlosalcaraz outclasses Medvedev to reach his fifth tour-level final this season.@ChinaOpen | #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/ow9zdMozd5
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 1, 2024
The young Spaniard then broke this 28-year-old counterpart in the 10th game as his next serve ensured he held on for the first set win in 48 minutes.
The second set, however, took a different route, with Medvedev requiring two medical timeouts to treat his injured left leg. Alcaraz was in the lead, and he took control of the second set to seal victory with his fourth match point.
Alcaraz’s victory ensured he reached his fifth tour-level final of the season, where he will face world No. 1 Sinner on Wednesday at the Diamond Court.
