Alcaraz Dominates Nakashima, Declares Current Form “Remarkable” in Japan Open Run
Tokyo, Japan – Carlos Alcaraz continued his notable form with a commanding victory over Mackenzie Nakashima in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open on Friday, securing his place in the semi-finals and labeling his current level of play “unbelievable.” The 22-year-old’s win marks his ninth consecutive semi-final appearance on tour and comes just three weeks after his US Open triumph.
Alcaraz’s dominant performance in Tokyo underscores his status as a leading force in men’s tennis.The victory solidifies his momentum heading into the final stretch of the season and positions him as a strong contender for year-end honors. He will face fourth-seed Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, with the winner set to compete against either Jenson Brooksby or Taylor Fritz in the final.
“Probably [it’s the best period of my career],” Alcaraz stated after the match.”I’m just feeling great on court, every time I step on the court. I just think I can do everything.” He added, “I’m approaching the end of the season with a lot of confidence and these kinds of matches, this kind of level, helps a lot to keep the confidence high.”
The match wasn’t without a minor concern for the Spaniard, who had previously experienced an ankle scare during his second-round match against Sebastian Baez. Though, Alcaraz credited his physiotherapy team for enabling a full recovery. “It was tough and it was a really critically important day and a half I had to recover as good as I could,” he said. “I have the best physio in the world, who I trust 100%. The work he has done for the ankle has been great. I could play normally, which is great.”
Ruud advanced to the semi-finals with a swift 58-minute victory over Taro Daniel. The Japan Open final is scheduled to take place on Sunday.