Top seed Carlos Alcaraz has secured his semifinal berth at the 2021 Intesa San Paolo Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan after a 4-3 (7-4) 4-1 4-3 (7-4) win over Brandon Nakashima.
Alcaraz won 88% of his first serve points and hit 25 winners to just 16 unforced errors to take the win in 86 minutes. Alcaraz hit 10 aces and converted both of his break points.
Alcaraz has not dropped a set in his two Group A matches in the round robin Group.
Alcaraz saved two break points to hold serve in the second game of the first set and did not face a break point. The world number 32 player earned a mini-break with a backhand passing shot to close out the tie-break on his first set point.
The US Open quarter finalist earned a break in the second game of the second set and held his serve to open up a 3-0 lead. He entertained the crowd at the Allianz Cloud in Milan when he stretched every inch of his frame at 30-0 0-15, when he won an incredible point reacting to a difficult netcord.
Alcaraz sealed the second set 4-1 on his second chance in the fifth game.
Alcaraz broke serve in the third game of the third set to take a 2-1 lead with a forehand. Nakashima broke straight back in the fourth game to draw level to 2-2. Alcaraz needed just one mini-break on his first point to seal the tie-break 7-4, when Nakashima could only return his serve into the net.
“I am really happy with the level I am playing at. I am so happy. I hope to play the semifinal at this level. The serve is very important on hard court and indoor courts. I am trying to improve the serve for my game. Playing against a great player like Brandon, you play amazing points like we have played. We are looking for those points for the crowd as well”, said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is a big fan of the in-court coaching now allowed at the Next Gen Finals.
“It’s really good to talk with your coach when you are playing. It’s a good idea, to at least try it at this tournament and it’s a good idea for the future. I really like having the coach on court”, said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz will take on Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his final round-robin match. Rune will face Nakashima for the second semifinal spot in Group A.
