Alcaraz solves the Monfils puzzle and steps on the CF in Shanghai | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Alcaraz solves the Monfils puzzle and steps on the CF in Shanghai

The Spaniard seeks the sixth ATP Masters 1000 of his career

October 09, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz continues writing an impeccable Asian tour. The Spaniard reached the quarterfinals at the Rolex Shanghai Masters this Wednesday, beating Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 7-5, to confirm himself as one of the main candidates to lift the Chinese trophy. Faced with maximum expectations, the Murcian is already writing the best result of his career at the Qizhong Stadium, where he aspires to leave a great mark at the top of the locker room.

The No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings had to go through an unpredictable match, facing one of the most skilled rivals in the locker room. The Frenchman, who had already defeated him at the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati months ago, appeared as a litmus test in the heart of the tournament. And the Spaniard’s response was a match of pure concentration, achieving victory without losing a single turn of serve.

“The main thing in this game was to stay calm, control my emotions and wait for opportunities,” acknowledged Alcaraz, who has a record of 51-9 this season. “I had some chances to break his serve at the beginning of the second set and I couldn’t take advantage of them. In those moments, I try to be calm and think that I’m going to have more.”

“That has helped me a lot to play my best tennis during the match. I am feeling the ball very well, much better than on the American tour. I am happy to be able to do it and continue in the tournament.”

The victory was another test of mental improvement. Since losing in the second round of the US Open, Alcaraz has won 12 consecutive matches, putting together one of the best streaks of his professional career. The Murcian has had an absolute reaction, helping Spain reach the Davis Cup Finals, playing a key role in Team Europe’s victory in the Laver Cup and winning his first trophy on Asian soil, winning the ATP 500 last week. from Beijing.

Now, with unparalleled inertia in the locker room, Alcaraz will have the opportunity to seek the final rounds in one of the great tournaments that are missing from his record. The Spaniard will play the quarterfinals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters against the Czech Tomas Machac, winner 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 over eleventh seed Tommy Paul.

The game plan will be fresh in memory of Alcaraz. The Spaniard dominates the Lexus ATP Head2Head record 1-0 over the Central European, whom he beat weeks ago during the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals in Valencia. Machac, a recent semi-finalist in Tokyo, is going through the best season of his career and has virtually assured his debut in the world Top 30.

It would be the prelude to a possible clash in the semifinals with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, a hypothetical scenario that the Spaniard keeps in his thoughts.

“Reaching the semi-finals is a good goal, we’ll see if he can do it too,” said Alcaraz, who leads the Lexus ATP Head2Head history between them 6-4. “I’ve been watching his game and he’s playing at a high level. That helps me put on a good show once I get on the court.”

Alcaraz is one of the three players who have already secured their place in the Nitto ATP Finals that will put an end to the 2024 season. The Murcian, who followed in the footsteps of Sinner and Alexander Zverev by confirming qualification, will compete from November 10 to 17 at the Inalpi Arena.

Carlos is currently ranked No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, with options to close the season as No. 1 for the second time in his career (2022).

Did you know that…?
Carlos Alcaraz has reached at least the quarterfinals in all hard-court ATP Masters 1000 and Grand Slam events. Shanghai was the last pending box on a path that also includes Indian Wells, Miami, Canada, Cincinnati, Paris-Bercy, Melbourne and New York.