Carlos Alcaraz ‘Hunt’ to Ferrero in Rome with 11 semifinals ATP Masters 1000 | ATP Tour

Roma

Alcaraz ‘Hunt’ to Ferrero in Rome with 11 semifinals ATP Masters 1000

The Spanish reinforced his leadership as No. 1 of the PIF ATP Race to Turin against Draper

May 14, 2025

There are very few players who can presume to count on their bench with an old No. 1 of the PIF ATP Rankings. And much less, to be able to discuss the great figures and brands that they recorded throughout their laureate races. However, with the passage of the seasons, Carlos Alcaraz has hunted his coach’s records. The most recent, this Wednesday in the internali bnl d’Italia.

At 22 years old, the Spanish appeared in a semifinals of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the eleventh time in his career, as many as Juan Carlos Ferrero signed. He did it, after overcoming the fifth favorite Jack Draper in an hour and 37 minutes, 6-4, 6-4, in the quarterfinals of Rome.

“I am very happy with the way I started the game, knowing how it was in Indian Wells, which was very difficult for me to deal with nerves,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “I think I have faced it in another way, of which I am very proud.”

“Above all, the game I have made, with a lot of confidence throughout the game, playing with the blows and with the things that I like to play, without giving much importance to the result that is what worried me most,” he added about the analysis of the match.

In this way, Alcaraz not only looks in his coach’s eyes, but also joined a select group of Spaniards who left their mark in this category.

Spaniards with more SF in ATP Masters 1000

Rafael Nadal: 76

David Ferrer: 18

Carlos Moya: 12
Juan Carlos Ferrero: 11

Carlos Alcaraz: 11

The beaten land of the Italic forum gathered in the Centrale field the two best players of the season according to the PIF ATP Race to Turin. And the balance opted on the side of No. 1 of the year, as had happened three of the previous five times dictated by the lexus ATP Head2head (now 4-2 for Spanish).

Although the rivalry had a good handful of chapters, this was the first time they were measured in clay, colliding two positive dynamics on the surface in front. On the one hand, the champion in this edition of Montecarlo; and, on the other, the recent finalist in Madrid. The Italian capital was prepared for an unprecedented battle.

The British, who this week celebrated 100 wins at the ATP Tour, was the first to question the service of his rival. With 3-2, 15/40 in his favor, he turned his second chance to break an initial gap on the scoreboard.

From the stands, Ferrero sent an important message to his pupil: “A little more presence, that you hear one more tad.” No sooner said than done. Alcaraz blank the break against and, far from conforming, linked four consecutive games that allowed him to ensure the first manga (6-4).

The Spanish still had time to add one more game, breaking Draper at the premiere of the second set. But the British had not said his last word, he proposed that each point be a battle. And, despite Ferrero’s warning: “Every point! Intensity, uncle. Let’s go,” Alcaraz saw his advantage escape.

Draper had already made clear his position: if the Murcian intended to be in the semifinals of Rome, he would have to sweat to the last point. But Alcaraz, who looks an imposing balance of 25-2 on beaten land since last May, was not intimidated by a rival who sought to defeat him on three different surfaces.

“Try to send. Try it!” The road was written. Ferrero continued to indicate where the keys passed for Alcaraz to match his brand. He had to suffer almost ten minutes to keep his service in the eighth game, but he clung to his resistance ability (6/8 saved break points) and then turned his fourth opportunity for Break (4/4) to advise a definitive blow to the game.

“I have great respect for Jack [Draper]from what he is doing, because of the level he is reaching, “he said about his rival.” I think he is an excellent player and boy, who always wants to improve, is very ambitious and we have seen the improvement he is having. I always wish him the best, he had no doubt that he was going to be in the position he is in and surely he will reach more positions. ”

The third favorite in Rome was presented in the semifinals, where he will try to advance to his eighth final in the ATP Masters 1000. Of course, with permission of the current champion Alexander Zverev or the local favorite Lorenzo Musetti, which this Wednesday closes the day on the Italian central track.

Did you know what …?
The victory of Carlos Alcaraz will have a direct incidence in Roland Garros, since the Spanish will surpass Alexander Zverev next Monday as No. 2 of the PIF ATP Rankings, so he will act in Paris as second head of the series.