Alcaraz fends off Cerundolo in Indian Wells quarter-finals

Francisco Cerundolo threw absolutely everything he had at Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday night at the Indian Wells Masters.

Nonetheless, it was no enough to win — and not even enough to take a set.

Alcaraz once again delivered a riveting performance in the desert to defeat an inspired Argentine 6-3, 7-6 (4) and secure a semi-final spot at the BNP Paribas Open. The 21-year-old Spaniard and two-time defending champion prevailed in one hour and 43 minutes at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California.

Blasting forehands from every direction and going toe-to-toe with his heavily favored opponent in all kinds of amazing rallies, Cerundolo was competitive in the first set and even led 4-1 in the second. However, the world No 26 could not get across the finish line to force a decider.

“I think he played really good tennis today — even in the conditions,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said of Cerundolo during his on-court interview. “It was tougher than yesterday — more wind, colder…. He had a lot of chances in the first set; I’m pleased about saving all of them and taking the only one that I had. I’m just really happy with everything I’ve done today.”

Alcaraz will face No 13 seed Jack Draper in the semis on Saturday.

The world No 3 has not dropped a set this fortnight while also beating Frenchman Quentin Halys (6-4, 6-2), Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the No 27 seed (6-2, 6-4) and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the No 14 seed (6-1, 6-1).

Cerundolo’s run to the last eight featured victories over American wild card Mackenzie McDonald (4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1), Dutch lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp (6-3, 6-4) and Australian Alex De Minaur, the No 9 seed (7-5, 6-3).

Indian Wells Masters 1000, other quarter-finals results:

• Jack Draper beat Ben Shelton (11): 6-4, 7-5
• Daniil Medvedev (5) beat Arthur Fils (20): 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7)
• Holger Rune (12) beat Tallon Griekspoor: 5-7, 6-0, 6-3

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