ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Carlos Alcaraz powered into the semi-finals of the Italian Open on Wednesday, defeating Britain’s Jack Draper 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final four at the Rome clay-court tournament for the first time, while top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev exited in major upsets.
Alcaraz Impresses in Rome Debut Semis
The Spanish world No. 3 and reigning French Open champion looked sharp as he struck 24 winners to overcome Draper. Alcaraz is preparing to defend his Roland Garros title later this month and appears to be building momentum at just the right time.
“The most important thing that I did today was not thinking about the results at all… Just trying to do the things that make me happy,” Alcaraz said after the match.
“I didn’t let him dominate or stay long in the rallies… I’m just really proud about the way that I approached the match.”
Alcaraz will next face local favorite Lorenzo Musetti, who stunned defending champion Zverev 7-6(1), 6-4 in front of a spirited home crowd.
Musetti Upsets Zverev
Italy’s Musetti put on a commanding display from the baseline to end Zverev’s title defense. The 22-year-old used the backing of the home fans to his advantage, disrupting Zverev’s rhythm throughout the match.
“It was a great advantage all this week, the support from the crowd,” Musetti said.
“It was part of the strategy to make things complicated for Sasha (Zverev). He’s such a good hitter but he’s a little far behind the baseline.”
Zheng Ends Sabalenka Streak, Sets Up Gauff Clash
In the women’s draw, eighth seed Zheng Qinwen secured her first-ever win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, defeating her 6-4, 6-3 after six previous losses.
Zheng, who fired four aces in the match, will meet American star Coco Gauff in the semi-finals.
“I don’t know why I just play good in Italy. Thanks to the fans who came to support me here. Grazie,” Zheng said.
Sabalenka’s frustrations boiled over during the match, resulting in a code violation for shouting an obscenity at a spectator.
Gauff Holds Off Andreeva in Tight Battle
World No. 3 Coco Gauff held off a strong challenge from seventh seed Mirra Andreeva, winning 6-4, 7-6(5) to secure her third semi-final appearance in Rome.
Gauff, 21, initially dominated the match, taking the first set comfortably. The second set proved more challenging as Andreeva, 18, broke for a 3-2 lead before Gauff rallied to force a tiebreaker.
“At the end, my defence, it was tough. We were both tight in the tiebreaker, it was whoever could make the last ball,” Gauff said.
With the win, Gauff improves to 4-0 against the young Russian and continues her strong run on clay, having dropped just one set in five matches at the tournament.
