Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell: Alcaraz on Track for Title Defense
Top-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance in Barcelona, defeating Serbia’s Laslo Djere 6-2, 6-4 in just 71 minutes. The back-to-back champion from 2022 and 2023 dismantled Djere’s defense, showcasing his aggressive baseline play and precise serve placement.
Alcaraz now faces fifth seed Alex De Minaur of Australia, who cruised past Britain’s Jacob Fearnley 6-1, 6-2. The upcoming clash pits Alcaraz’s power-packed groundstrokes against De Minaur’s lightning-fast footwork, setting the stage for a thrilling quarterfinal showdown.
Upset Alert: Davidovich Fokina Topples Rublev
Another highlight in Barcelona saw Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina rally to beat No. 4 seed Andre Rublev of Russia 7-5, 6-4. Davidovich saved eight of 11 break points, turning the match with his clutch play under pressure. He will battle Russia’s Karen Khachanov, who edged past Jaume Munar 7-5, 6-4.
BMW Open Munich: Goffin’s Comeback Sparks Excitement
Over in Munich, Belgium’s David Goffin survived an 0-6 first set to triumph 0-6, 7-5, 6-1 against Argentina’s Mariano Navone. After saving four break points in the final set, Goffin advanced to face fifth seed Francisco Cerundulo, who defeated Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko 6-3, 6-2.
The Munich quarterfinal lineup also features Zizou Bergs of Belgium versus Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. Bergs dispatched 17-year-old Diego Dedura-Palomero 6-1, 6-1 in just 69 minutes, while Marozsan upset fourth seed Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4.
As the clay season ramps up, these quarterfinals offer a glimpse into who might hoist the trophies in two of Europe’s premier ATP 500 and ATP 250 events.
Reference(s):
Alcaraz beats Djere to make Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell quarterfinals
cgtn.com
