Alcaraz through to semi-finals, will face Medvedev

BEIJING: After a tough fought first set, Carlos Alcaraz dominated the second to beat Karen Kachanov on Monday, confirming his place in the semi-finals.

Alcaraz pushed through a back and forth first set to win seven games to five, before easily beating Kahcanov in the second, six games to two.

Alcaraz got the first break of the match, going up three games to two in the first set. The relentless assault of the Spaniard could only be withstood for so long until Kachanov’s return eventually hit the net. But Kachanov won the very next game getting a break of his own. Alcaraz wasn’t able to return a well hit forehand that landed right on the line, tying the set at three games apiece.

We are “responsible” for our defeats, says Pakistan Captain Shan Masood

Alcaraz got another break to go up six games to five, after a drop shot drew Kachanov to the net and a subsequent lob sent the Russian running back to return the ball, but it landed well out of bounds.

The set ended with a thunderous slam, set up perfectly by a vicious backhand that sent Kachanov stumbling to the sideline with no hopes of making another return.

It was a much easier second set for the world number three, who earned his first break of the set after setting up Kachanov with yet another backhand which the Russian struggled to return. The Spaniard closed the distance to the net sending a beautifully placed volley well away from Kachanov.

Madrid and Atlético draw in controversial match

Alcaraz won the next four games in a row. His excellent offense, consisting of some heavy pressure at the net and some well placed volleys left Kachanov unable to mount any offense of his own.

The four-time grand slam champion made it to the final four and will face world number five Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday. Both other quarter final games are scheduled for later today, with Jannik Sinner facing facing Jiri Lehecka and Andrey Rublev taking on Yunchaokete Bu.