China Open: Alcaraz to meet Medvedev in last four after beating Khachanov

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 on Monday to secure his place in the ATP 500 in Beijing’s semi finals.

The 21-year-old Spaniard was a constant threat in return games throughout the 96-minute match against Khachanov,  showed great quality but was unable to match the opponent’s unwavering relentlessness from the baseline.

“I always try to be aggressive, hitting strong shots, and I feel like I’m not afraid to show that,” said Alcaraz, who has now won his past seven tour-level matches. “To try again and again. That’s what I’m feeling right now.

“In the past matches, everything went well, so I can’t complain at all. I know that I have to keep trying. I’m hitting the ball really well, I’m moving well, and I’m not letting my opponents show their best tennis. It’s like the match is in my style. That’s what I like and what I want in every match.”

In the Chinese capital, Alcaraz will come up against Daniil Medvedev in the final four. 6-2, 6-4, the third seed kept up his chances of winning his first ATP Tour title in 2024 against Flavio Cobolli. The two have won their two tour-level matchups this season, at Wimbledon and Indian Wells, respectively, and Alcaraz leads Medvedev 5-2 in their Lexus ATP Head to Head meetings.

“It’s always difficult facing Medvedev,” said Alcaraz. “I played great matches against him earlier this year and during the past couple of years. I’m ready to take that challenge, to try to play my best tennis to pass him. It’s always a war. Long matches, long rallies, when I play against him, but I’m ready for the challenge.”