Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive 12-match winning streak was abruptly halted in a stunning quarter-final at the Shanghai Masters, where he faced the Czech player, Tomas Machac. The match ended in straight sets, with Machac overpowering the world No. 1, leaving Alcaraz and his supporters in disbelief.
Machac, who faced an earlier upset at the US Open against Britain’s Jack Draper, demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill in this tournament, achieving his second victory against a top-5 player. He won the match with the scores of 7-6 (7-5) and 7-5, showcasing a strong performance throughout. This victory over Alcaraz marks a significant milestone in Machac’s career, particularly given the pressure of competing against the world’s best.
Despite having a successful run in recent tournaments, including his role in helping Europe secure victory in the Laver Cup and clinching the title at the China Open just days prior, Alcaraz could not maintain his momentum against the world No. 33. The Spanish player had previously shown his mettle in high-pressure situations, but this unexpected defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in professional tennis.
Machac entered the match with a notable level of confidence, having previously battled Alcaraz in last month’s Davis Cup. Although he had to retire due to cramps when the score was tied at one set apiece, it was clear that he had the capability to compete at a high level against the top players. His performance this time showcased not only his physical endurance but also his mental fortitude.
The Czech player will now advance to the semi-finals to face the Italian star Jannik Sinner, who has been enjoying a remarkable year himself. Sinner secured his place after a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory against the fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev. This indicates Sinner’s rise in the ranks, having already confirmed his position as the world No. 1 by the end of the year.
In his match against Medvedev, Sinner showed exceptional skill and composure. Despite initially facing difficulties, as indicated by Medvedev’s 12 winners and 25 unforced errors, he was able to keep his focus and limit his own errors, facing only one break point which he saved effectively. This victory marks Sinner’s seventh win in the last eight encounters against Medvedev, reflecting his evolution as a player, especially considering he had lost his first six matches against the former world No. 1.
As the tournament progresses, fans will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating the upcoming clash between Machac and Sinner, both of whom have shown they can handle the pressure of high-stakes matches. The contrast between Machac’s surprising rise and Sinner’s consistent performance promises an exciting semi-final battle at the Shanghai Masters.
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