Carlos Alcaraz, world No. 2, defeated Italian Fabio Fognini on Thursday (6-7 [5]6-2, 6-4) and reached the quarter-finals of the Rio de Janeiro tournament.
The 19-year-old Spaniard, also seeded number 1, was surprised in the first set, having nevertheless taken the first three games. But he then recovered to overcome his opponent, ranked 86th at ATP in 2h47, of play on the clay court of Guga Kuerten.
Opposed to Lajovic in the semi-finals
« It’s a challenge to face a player like Fabio, a great player, very talentedsaid Alcaraz. You never know what to expect and that is complicated. […] We had a great game and in the end I’m happy that I might win. Despite the defeat, Fognini (35) delighted the audience with classy actions.
Carlos Alcaraz will meet Serbian Dusan Lajovic on Friday for a place in the semi-finals, winner of his compatriot Laslo Djere (6-2, 6-4). In Rio de Janeiro, he is aiming for a second consecutive title, following being crowned in Buenos Aires last week.
