Carlos Alcaraz is into the quarter-finals of the Plava Laguna Croatia Open after a 6-2 6-3 win over Norbert Gombos. Alcaraz — who became the youngest player since Rafa Nadal to break into the ATP top-five rankings on Monday — wrapped up the match in near-flawless fashion to advance to the next round.
Ad/> The top seed showcased his typical variety to trouble his opponent, who was forced around the court trying to handle Alcaraz’s clean strikes from deep in the one-hour-38-minute match.
US Open'Close between Rafa and Novak' — Robredo on men's tennis GOAT debate26/07/2022 AT 12:13 Alcaraz was tested at points during the match, especially when he was forced to fend off seven break points, but kept his composure to reach his eighth quarter-final of the year. “It was a really tough match,” said Alcaraz afterwards. “It wasn’t as easy as the result seems. “Norbert played a really good game and the first round of every tournament is never easy, so I had to get used to the conditions. “It was tough for me, but at the end I found a way to play better and get the win.” /> Alcaraz bounced back in resilient fashion after tasting defeat in an ATP Tour final for the first time on Sunday when he lost 6-4 6-7(6) 6-4 to Lorenzo Musetti at the German Open in Hamburg.