Alcaraz puts on a ‘show’ in front of ‘legends’ as he beats Monfils to make last 16

Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open with a straight-sets victory over Gael Monfils.

The world No. 2 proved too good for Monfils, who appeared to injure his ankle early in the match, as he won 6-2 6-4 in 74 minutes.

Alcaraz will next face Lorenzo Musetti as he continues his quest for the Sunshine Double.

“He’s a great athlete. He reaches almost every ball,” said Alcaraz about Monfils.

“But at the same time, with my forehand, my best shot, I tried to move him around the court, tried to get him tired a little bit and give myself the chance to dominate the point, trying to go to the net and hitting my best shots.”

Alcaraz looked set for a routine win until a late burst from Monfils saw him break serve for the first time from 5-3 down in the second set.

A big forehand winner followed in the next game as Monfils made Alcaraz serve out the match.

That, though, was no problem for the world No. 2, who sealed the win with a love hold.

Among those watching were Brazil forward Neymar, NBA star Jimmy Butler and former world No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro.

“It’s kind of difficult to stay focused on the match, having such legends from every sport,” said Alcaraz.

“It’s great for me. I try to show great tennis, try to make them happy as well, make them enjoy watching my games.

“It’s a great opportunity to have them here, to talk with them a little bit. It’s great to put on a show in front of them.”

Next up for Alcaraz is Musetti, who beat Ben Shelton 6-4 7-6(5) to advance.

Musetti recovered from 3-0 and 4-1 down in the second set as he made the last 16 in Miami for the first time.

“[My team was] saying patience because sometimes Ben, with the really good serves, could be really frustrating,” said the Italian.

“Some points I had an opportunity to break him in the second set, I didn’t find the right ball with the forehand. Sometimes he was serving pretty well, with the slice at the body.

“Even the last point was really tough to return. I had to be really patient and try to focus on what I had to do. I think I played probably the best match of the year.”

Musetti lost both matches against Alcaraz in straight sets last year.

“It’s always a nice challenge, especially for me,” he sad. “I have a huge friendship with him and we’ve played so many battles on court. He’s up in the score, so hopefully I can win this time. But I’m really looking forward to playing against him.

“He’s a great person, a great human being and a great athlete. For me, it’s an inspiration, so hopefully I can give my best and try to win that match.”