Carlos Alcaraz eases past Tommy Paul, Fritz beat Holger Rune

• Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul in an entertaining last 16 battle at the Miami Open to set up a clash with Taylor Fritz on Wednesday
• On the other hand, Fritz beat his opponent Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 in their first meeting

Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul in an entertaining last 16 battle at the Miami Open to set up a clash with Taylor Fritz.

Alcaraz beat his American opponent 6-6 6-4 in a match where both players had some outstanding shot-making and rallies. Speaking after his win, Alcaraz said that he feels at home because of the energy he receives from the fans.

Carlos Alcaraz. Photo/ Eurosport.

“I feel at home here. It’s easy to play for me in Miami with all the energy I receive from the crowd, it’s amazing. I enjoy it and I think that’s the key why I play at such a high level for every match. I’m really happy with the level I’m playing and hope to keep going. I played a really great match and hope to play the same level in the quarter-finals.” Eurosport quotes the world No. 1.

Alcaraz and Tommy Paul shared the opening four games before the former won an incredible point where he ran from the back of the court to get a ball back in play. He then broke Paul to get a 3-2 lead but missed the opportunity for a double break minutes later.

Paul then got a break point at 5-4 down but he also couldn’t take it as the world number one did well to serve himself out of trouble.

Alcaraz continued to apply more pressure with his big hand in the second set as he didn’t want a deciding set to be played. The Spaniard made the decisive break in the third game and there was little left for Paul to do. It was serve on serve for the remainder of the set as Alcaraz overcame his American opponent.

Taylor Fritz Storms Past Holger Rune 

Taylor Fritz, who will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, beat his opponent Holger Rune 6-3 6-4. It was the first meeting of the two, who had not dropped a set since Tuesday.

Fritz’s composure and quality at crucial moments in the match proved to be the difference in what was a tight contest.

Holger Rune started off fast but failed to take two break points in the opening game. He was punished by Fritz at the first time of asking to go up 2-0. Rune, however, got the break back to get back on serve before they shared the next four games.

Fritz served out the set after his opponent made several errors in the eighth game. The American, who is world No. 5, stamped his authority at the start of the second set when Holger hit a backhand long.

Taylor Fritz. Photo/ Eurosport.

Even though Holger responded by playing aggressively, Fritz was not letting his lead go. He emerged victorious and was to face the winner between Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul. Since Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul, he will face Fritz on Wednesday.