Cincinnati Masters: Novak Djokovic defeats Taylor Fritz to go to the semifinals with Carlos Alcaraz

The top two seeds at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open advanced to the semi-finals on Friday, with Novak Djokovic crushing Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz working hard to defeat Max Purcell.

Djokovic, who is ranked second in the tournament, dealt Fritz a ruthless 6-0, 6-4 beating to make it 7-0 against him.

Alcaraz, the world’s number one, battled back to defeat Australian qualifier Purcell 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The two-time tournament champion Djokovic broke to begin the second set after winning the first set against Fritz in only 21 minutes thanks to a backhand that fell long.

In the eighth game, Fritz’s forehand drive into the net gave the 23-time Grand Slam winner the break back. After only 62 minutes, Djokovic broke again two games later, winning the match on his first match point.

The Serb star remarked, “I was able to get off to a flawless start.” “I made a bad start to the second set and gave him the break.

“However, I played four strong games after falling down 2-4; altogether, it was a wonderful performance. I’ve already had three successful matches here, and every day I try to get better.

“I’m more comfortable on the court. I hope the same path can be taken in the future,” said Djokovic, who will play German Alexander Zverev next.

Before suffering a terrible ankle injury in Paris that put an end to his 2022 season, Zverev, the 2021 Cincy winner, defeated France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-3 to get to his first Masters semi-final since Rome last year.

Purcell, who is rated 70th, caught Alcaraz off surprise, and Alcaraz lost the opening set in 44 minutes.

Alcaraz maintained his composure to force a third set, battling through a series of service breaks to take the lead at 5-4 and serve out the triumph.

With an ace among his 29 winners, the defending Wimbledon champion, who was going for a seventh trophy of the year, completed the victory in two and a quarter hours.

Alcaraz remarked, “He serves incredibly well, and it was really difficult and challenging today. “He did a good job at the net. I made good returns, which was essential to the victory.

Hubert Hurkacz of Poland faced Hubert Alcaraz in the semi-finals after saving seven set chances to defeat Australian Alexei Popyrin 6-1, 7-6 (10/8).