Alcaraz set for Djokovic conflict after breezing previous Tsitsipas
The potential conflict was instantly highlighted when the draw was made 12 days in the past and had appeared inevitable as each males progressed by way of the rounds.
Both have dropped just one set however, whereas Djokovic had to fight back from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov on Tuesday, Alcaraz swatted apart fifth seed Tsitsipas 6-2 6-1 7-6 (5) within the night time session.
The world primary mentioned: “Believing in myself all the time, I’d say that’s the most important thing. I always feel I’m going to play this kind of matches at this level.
“I misplaced my focus slightly bit on the finish of the third set, I had a few match factors. He began to play I might say higher. I used to be in bother however I’m actually glad to beat that downside, nonetheless enjoying an excellent stage, believing that I used to be going to win the third set.”
Alcaraz and Djokovic have played only once before, with the Spaniard winning in Madrid last year, and he said: “This match everybody desires to look at. I might say it’s going to be a extremely good match to play and to look at. I actually wished to play this match. If you wish to be the very best it’s important to beat the very best.”
On paper this appeared the toughest test for Alcaraz so far but he had won all four previous meetings against Tsitsipas, including in Barcelona in April, and was in total control from the start.
He was better in every aspect and Tsitsipas, who had won all six of his previous slam quarter-finals, simply had no answer to Alcaraz’s all-round wizardry, with winners flying past him and drop shots catching him out time and again.
The Greek didn’t play badly within the opening set however nonetheless had his serve damaged twice and he appeared to develop more and more demoralised within the second, the place he received solely 13 factors.
The crowd had been torn between admiring the flamboyant brilliance of Alcaraz and wanting a contest, and so they responded to Tsitsipas’ name for encouragement when he lastly received a sport at 0-3 within the third set.
Alcaraz threatened to be held up extra by a Mexican wave than his opponent however Tsitsipas did at the very least present a late problem, saving two match factors at 2-5 after which breaking the 20-year-old for the primary time when he served for victory.
A 3rd match level got here and went as Tsitsipas compelled a tie-break, the place he saved a fourth and fifth, however on his sixth likelihood Alcaraz transformed.