‘Best feeling’ – Alcaraz delighted with form as he beats Musetti to reach quarters

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a comfortable straight-sets, 6-3 6-3, victory over Lorenzo Musetti.

The outcome of the match never really looked in doubt as Alcaraz stormed past the No. 23 seed from Italy, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament last year, in convincing fashion on the lead court at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Alcaraz struck 23 winners in the match, and he was left to reflect on a performance that he was very happy with as he said it was “the best feeling since last summer” when he won at Wimbledon for the first time. His triumph at Indian Wells was his first title since that glory at SW19.

“I know that his style is playing from the back with spin,” he began as he talked about Musetti’s game. “I tried to not let him feel comfortable on the court.

“I tried to play my game, play aggressive with my shots, go to the net, drop shots, my style. I think I did pretty well and I’m really happy with my performance.

“I don’t know if this is the best game that I’m playing, but without a doubt it’s the best feeling,” he continued.

“I’m feeling great on the court. I’m moving great, not injured or thinking about the ankle [injury] anymore. I think [this is] the best feeling since last summer.”

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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates his victory over Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the fourth round of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida

Image credit: Getty Images

Alcaraz’s next opponent in the quarter-finals will be veteran Grigor Dimitrov, who continued his run in Miami with a hard-fought win over eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz in three sets, 3-6 6-3 7-6(3).

The world No. 12 is enjoying a strong career resurgence and is hoping to return to the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time since 2018.

The Bulgarian said of facing Alcaraz in the next round: “I’m looking forward to the match. Everyone wants to challenge the best of the world.

“Clearly, he’s been playing outstanding tennis, but so am I. I’ve been very consistent on a lot of ends. I think if I clean up my game a little bit it can be very interesting.

“I’m excited because these are the types of matches I want to play. First time in the quarter-finals here, I think it gives you an extra boost.”

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Norrie stunned by Monfils comeback in Indian Wells thriller, Rune beats Musetti

Cameron Norrie was eliminated from Indian Wells in the third round by 37-year-old Gael Monfils, who fought back from a set and a break down to seal a stunning comeback.

Norrie looked on course to progress to the fourth round after edging the first set before going up a break in the second, but a gritty Monfils stood firm to earn a set back and force a decider after a second tie-break.

The Frenchman then claimed the decider to reach the last 16 following a gripping three hour, 12 minute encounter.

Norrie secured a key early break following a lengthy opening game. Monfils conceded a couple of errors which the Brit capitalised on to earn five break points, and following some back and forth finally sealed the break with his sixth opportunity.

Monfils earned a break back chance in the sixth game, and Norrie put into the net with a backhand as the Frenchman broke back for 3-3.

At 5-5, another monstrous game followed. Monfils’ fourth double fault handed Norrie his 20th break point of the match, and Norrie broke after Monfils conceded a sixth double fault.

With Norrie serving for the set, Monfils fought back to force a tie-break with his third of three break points, as his British counterpart went long with an attempted winner.

Both players made unforced errors early in the tie-break, but Norrie displayed some scintillating tennis to seal the first set after one hour and 22 minutes.

The 28-year-old started the second set in a similar fashion, holding serve in the first game before gaining another early break when Monfils conceded yet another double fault.

A third ace could not help Norrie hold for 4-2, as Monfils broke back when the British No. 1 came to the net before hitting a volley long.

The pair exchanged holds until another breaker was needed, which Monfils edged in some style to take the match to a decider.

Monfils continued his resurgent form and struck the decisive blow in the third set to break Norrie for 5-3.

Norrie could not match the world No. 70’s efforts to come from behind to take the match to a tie-break, as the veteran sealed a huge victory.

Monfils will play either Casper Ruud or Arthur Fils in the fourth round.

Rune dispatches Musetti

Seventh seed Holger Rune defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-2 7-6(5) in his opening match of the tournament, after receiving a walkover in the round of 64 against Milos Raonic.

The Dane was too good for his Italian counterpart as he reached the fourth round for the first time in California following a 96-minute encounter.

Rune started fast to dominate the first set before holding firm to deny a second-set fightback from Musetti and confirm his place in the last 16, where he will play either Taylor Fritz or Sebastian Baez.

“I felt great,” Rune said after the match. “Finally, the wait was over. I was so eager to play.

“On Saturday, when I heard it was a walkover, obviously I wish [Raonic] all the best. I really wanted to play, but that’s how it is.

“I just got two extra practice days, which is good, and managed to come in in good shape today.”

Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev moved past Tallon Griekspoor with a 7-6(7) 6-3 victory, while Ben Shelton beat Francisco Cerundolo in three sets, winning 7-6(5) 3-6 7-6(5).

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