Carlos Alcaraz Advances To The Buenos Aires Semifinals With A Win Over Andrea Vavassori

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (photo: Doc. intermediate)

JAKARTA - Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz managed to advance to the semifinals of the Buenos Aires clay tournament after defeating Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori in the last eight matches. Alcaraz, who is world number two, won the match with a straight set score of 7-6(7/1), 6-1 against his 152-placed opponent.

Although Vavossori was able to match Alcaraz's punches after beatings in the opening set, Alcaraz then took a 5-0 lead in the second set before finally securing a win after an hour 40 minutes on the pitch. Alcaraz stated that his opponent played at a high level in the first set, but he felt he was playing better in the second set.

"In the first set he played at a high level," Alcaraz said, as broadcast by AFP, Saturday, February 17. "It's very difficult to return to service and challenging conditions with the wind. But I think I played better in the second set."

"The level fell slightly, with the service as well and I made some returns, took advantage of my chances and I think that's the difference," said the 20-year-old tennis player.

Alcaraz will next face third seed from Chile, Nicolas Jarry, or sixth seed Argentine Tomas Etcheverry, for a place in Sunday's title race.

In the other semifinals, the hosts, Facundo Diaz and Federico Coria, will face each other for a place in the final.