Miami Open: Alcaraz felt like a 13-year-old against 'perfect' Dimitrov

Carlos Alcaraz's dream of a Sunshine Double were shattered as he lost 6-2 6-4 on Thursday to Grigor Dimitrov, who will lock horns with Alexander Zverev in the Miami Open semi-finals.

The top-seeded Spaniard’s serve was broken four times during the 92-minute encounter.

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said: “He played amazing tennis, almost perfect, if I can say ‘perfect’. I mean, I couldn't find solutions. I couldn't find a way to make him feel uncomfortable on the court. It was a great game from his side.

“I have a lot of frustrations right now, because he made me feel like I'm 13 years old (smiling). You know, it was crazy. I was talking to my team saying that I don't know what I have to do. I don't know his weakness. I don't know anything.”

Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 11th seed, secured 77% of his first-serve points with Alcaraz only at 56%.

Alcaraz, who bagged the Indian Wells title 11 days ago, was hoping to become the first player to bag the Sunshine Double since Roger Federer in 2017.

"Overall, to win against him, you have to play at your best. That's just how it is," Dimitrov said after his second win over Alcaraz in as many meetings.

"I came into the match focussed and I think it was extremely clear what I had to do.

"Sometimes simplicity is genius. It's very hard to do it, especially when you play against an opponent like that, but I was able to dictate the game, read the game a bit better than the last time.

"Overall, a very great match on my end and I'm just happy I finished in straight sets."

Dimitrov’s next round opponent, Zverev, beat Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 6-3 7-5 on the Stadium court.

"We have limited time to celebrate, to get ready to prepare. Right now the most important thing is to prepare for the match," added the 12th-ranked Dimitrov, who can climb into the top 10 with a victory.

"Very grateful to be that far into a Masters event and I'm very excited for what's next."

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