Alcaraz Advances To Japan Semifinals As Gauff Triumphs In China

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semi-finals of the Japan Open with an imperious 6-2 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in Tokyo.

The Spanish top seed fired 39 winners and never faced a break point as he brushed aside the American, dispelling any lingering concerns about an ankle injury he sustained in the opening round.

The world number one will face Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud in the semi-finals on Monday, aiming for an eighth ATP title in an astonishing season.

“I think I just played unbelievably today, I’m not going to lie,” said Alcaraz. “I felt like I could do everything on court, playing every shot.”

Elsewhere, Coco Gauff overcame issues with her serve to edge past Leylah Fernandez in the third round of the China Open in Beijing.

Gauff will meet Swiss 15th seed Belinda Bencic in the last 16 of the WTA 1000 event on Tuesday.

Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu will face American fifth seed Jessica Pegula in the highlight of Monday’s third-round ties, while Sonay Kartal takes on rising Australian teenager Maya Joint.

Alcaraz is the clear favourite to claim a fourth hard court title of the year in Japan, following wins in Rotterdam, the Cincinnati Masters, and at the US Open earlier this month.

The 22-year-old six-time Grand Slam champion has also secured three titles on clay – in Monte Carlo, Rome, and at the French Open at Roland Garros – and one on grass – at Queen’s.

Three of the top four seeds remain in the draw for the semi-finals in Tokyo, with third seed Holgar Rune being the only high-profile casualty in the quarter-finals.

Denmark’s Rune fell to a 6-3 6-3 defeat against 24-year-old American Jenson Brooksby, who is set to rise from 86th in the world to at least 57th when the rankings are next updated following his impressive run in Tokyo.

Brooksby will meet compatriot Taylor Fritz after the second seed reached the last four with a 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win over another American, Sebastian Korda.

Ruud, meanwhile, will face Alcaraz after claiming a 6-3 6-2 victory over Australian qualifier Aleksandar Vukic.