Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday became the first player to earn 60 tour-level wins in 2023 when he beat Lorenzo Musetti in a one-sided 6-2, 6-2 encounter to secure his place in the quarter-finals at the China Open in Beijing.
The Spaniard recorded a comfortable win against the Italian, who defeated him last year in Hamburg.
After winning the match, the world no. 2 opened up about his performance and some of the problems in the tournament.
"I feel great, he is a tough opponent and I offered a great performance. I'm happy that from start to finish I didn't have any highs and low, I maintained a great level with continuity and this is what I look for in every tournament."
Alcaraz also talked about the problems some of the players complained about.
"I honestly felt it from the first training session I did here in Beijing, it's something difficult but we tennis players have to get used to it."
“After all, we change the ball and the situation in every tournament and you have to get used to it. Every player asks these questions but in the end it's our job, every tournament we will face something different."
Alcaraz will now face Casper Ruud, runner-up of Roland Garros 2023, in the quarter-final in China.
"He is fresh from a battle and I think this is a small advantage for me, he will probably be a little tired tomorrow,” Alcaraz said about Ruud.
"At the same time he is a tough opponent and has already faced many battles in his career. I have to give my best and stay focused on the match. It will be a difficult challenge but at the same time it will be enjoyable and fun for the fans to watch."
If Alcaraz beats Ruud, he will take on Jannik Sinner in the semi-final of the event, if the latter wins his quarter-final encounter against Grigor Dimitrov on Monday.
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