Tennis News: Basel Open: Carlos Alcaraz races to the quarterfinals
Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz defeated Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Basel Open at St. Jakobshalle in Switzerland, on October 26
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Botic van de ZandschulpThe match had a cagey start, with both players struggling to get a clear advantage in the opening set of the game. However, Carlos Alcaraz Garfia claimed the first set 6-4 after a single decisive break.
Botic van de Zandschulp got his first breakthrough in the early stages of the second set to gain a 0-2 lead, but the 19-year-old Spaniard clinched the final five games of the match, with five of them going through a deuce to secure a straight-set victory after one hour and 30 minutes of play.
US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz Garfia served one ace, scored 71% of the points on the first serve, and broke the serve of his Dutch opponent four times from six opportunities. In contrast, Botic van de Zandschulp served three aces, won 64% of the points on the first serve, and earned just one breakpoint.
The teenage sensation has now advanced to the 11th quarterfinal and is looking to win his sixth tour-level title for the season.
Carlos Alcaraz Garfia will lock horns with fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreño Busta in a quarterfinal clash of the Basel Open on October 28. The 31-year-old Spaniard booked a quarterfinal spot after beating Dominic Stephan Stricker of Switzerland 7-5, 6-7(3-7), 6-4 on the indoor hardcourt in Basel.
Felix Auger-Aliassime solves Marc-Andrea Huesler to advance in Switzerland
The world no. 9 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada roared back from a set down to beat home favourite Marc-Andrea Huesler of Switzerland 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round of the Basel Open on October 26.
Marc-Andrea Huesler gave a fantastic performance in front of the home crowd with his big left-handed service games. However, the no. three seed Felix Auger-Aliassime did not lose his composure and clinched the lone breaks of the final two sets to secure his victory after two hours and 18 minutes of intense play.
After the victory, Felix Auger-Aliassime said, “I think matches like this are tougher mentally, in a way. I was able to serve it well in the end. It was tough to keep my focus, he was serving great, and being really aggressive. Not an easy match, but really happy to get through.”
The 22-year-old Canadian will next face Miomir Kecmanović of Serbia for a spot in the quarterfinal round of the ATP 500 event in Basel on October 27.