Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, world number 2, qualified for the ATP 250 semi-finals in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday against Dusan Lajovic (6-4, 6-2), confirming his return to form .
Arch-favourite, the 19-year-old won in just over an hour and a half against his Serbian opponent in order to chain a second victory in 2023 and in this tournament, which marks his return after four months of absence for injury. He will meet his compatriot Barnabé Zapata Miralles or the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo in the next match. In the event of victory, a shock could take place in the final with the world number 12 Cameron Norrie, opposed for his part to the Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas in half.
ATP Buenos Aires
Winning return for Alcaraz
02/16/2023 At 06:28
Appearing a little rusty for their opening match on Wednesday, Alcaraz, winner of the 2022 US Open, started strong with a 3-0 in plummeting temperatures, before letting Lajovic come back at 4-4. He then corrected the shot to break in the tenth game and win the first set 6-4, then chained with much more control in the second set where he led 4-1 then concluded at 6-2 in front of some 5,000 spectators of the Guillermo Vilas court.
“I fought very well, I played at a high level, but I want to continue to improve for the semi-finals”analyzed the Spaniard after the meeting, pointing out totally different weather conditions on Wednesday.
ATP Buenos Aires
Di Pasquale: “To recover quickly, Alcaraz will have to avoid the trap of wanting to feel the ball”
02/14/2023 At 5:16 PM
ATP Buenos Aires
Alcaraz: “The objective is to become number 1 again as soon as possible”
02/14/2023 At 2:25 PM
