Carlos Alcaraz aims for the title in Barcelona. © ANSA / Alejandro Garc

In Barcelona: Alcaraz stays on course

Carlos Alcaraz confidently played his way into the semifinals of the ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona on Friday.

18 April 2025

From: do

The Spaniard, currently ranked number two in the ATP rankings behind Jannik Sinner, faced Australian Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of his home tournament, but the latter didn't pose much of a problem. After 1:39 hours, Alcaraz clenched his fist and advanced to the semifinals, where he will face Arthur Fils. The Frenchman benefited from Stefanos Tsitsipas's retirement after just two games.

Alcaraz played a commanding match, only briefly faltering in the first set. Two breaks seemed to be a wake-up call for the 21-year-old, as he subsequently took control and broke the Australian at the right moment. In the second set, de Minaur was unable to counter the world number two. Alcaraz secured another break to make it 4-2 and ultimately comfortably advanced to the semifinals.

Rune wins Viking duel

Also there is Holger Rune, who prevailed in the Viking duel with Casper Ruud. The Norwegian offered little resistance to the Dane and was knocked out 4:6 and 2:6 after about an hour and a half. Rune will now play his semifinal against Karen Khachanov on the other side of the tournament bracket—from Alcaraz's perspective. The Russian defeated the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6:4 and 7:5.