Carlos Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev in a blockbuster China Open semi-final matchup after downing Karen Khachanov in the last eight. (More Tennis News)
The four-time grand slam champion needed just 96 minutes on court to beat Khachanov 7-5 6-2, easing throug🀅h the second set after fending off some early pressure.
Alcaraz, who registered his 200th career victory last time out against Tallon Griekspoor, went a break up five games into the opener but was immediately pegged back, on🙈ly to convert h▨is seventh break point to seize the initiative once more.
Back-to-back breaks midway through the second set then did the trick for Alcaraz, who dropped just two points on his own serve afteꦅr clinching the op♐ener.
The 21-year-old, whose victory saw him leapfrog Alexander Zverev to go second in the ATP rankings, said: "I 🍌always try to be aggressive, hitting strong shots, and I feel like I'm not afraid to show that.
"That's what I'm feeling righ✤t now. In the past matches, everything went well, and I'm not letting my opponents show their best tennis. That's what I like🌜 and what I want in every match."
He will face Medvedev for a place in the final after the Russian registered his own straight-s🐻ets win over Flavio Cobolli on Monday.
Medvedev was forced to save 10 of 11 break points during his 6-2 6🐓-4 win, which was far more competitive than the scoreline suggested🐬.
Data Debrief: Medvedev's hard-court mastery
Since the start of the 2020 season, Medvedev has now registered 186 ATP victories at hard-courꦉt events.
That is the most of any player on the surface and puts him some 22 wins clear of second-placed Jannik Sinner, who is a potential final opponent if he can ove🧸rcome Alcaraz in the last four.
