Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz extended his undefeated home win streak on clay to 18 straight on Tuesday as he crushed Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 for a place in the Madrid Masters quarter-finals.
The teenaged defending champion spent a mere 83 minutes as he defeated the German in a repeat of last year’s final at the Caja Magica.
Alcaraz still trails Zverev 2-3 in their head-to-head standings against the two-time Madrid champion.
He finished his fourth-round rout with four breaks of serve while never facing a break point.
The winner will next face Karen Khachanov, who defeated Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev 7-6(8), 6-4 in their fourth-rounder. earlier on Tuesday
Alcaraz improved to a near-perfect 26-2 on the season, with third ATP titles already to hand.
“It’s amazing to play the level that I played today,” hje said. “I played well, I feel really good right now; this match gives me a lot of confidence.”
The winner said he battled some early nerves before settling in to dismantle his opponent’s dangerous game.
“The best players in the world handle the nerves (well); I want to be like them.. trying not to show the opponent that I’m nervous at all.”
Alcaraz produced 21 winners to nine for Zverev.
The teenager stands on the cusp of a possible return to the No. 1 ATP ranking if he can repeat as trophyholder on Sunday and then merely playing his first match when the Rome Masters begins next week.
Main photo:- Defending Madrid Masters Champion reached 2023 quarter finals today
