Are Alcaraz’s opponents playing extra-well, or is he yet to hit top form in Cincinnati?

After scraping his way through another three-set match on Friday night, Carlos Alcaraz has declared at there is another gear he can reach ahead of the Cincinnati semi-finals this weekend.

Ever since winning the Wimbledon final in mid-July, the 20-year-old has had a tough time.

With crowds used to the Spaniard blowing opponents away with breath-taking shots, there have been far more errors and scrappy matches than usual over the last month. In fact, across Alcaraz’s six matches in Toronto and Cincinnati, five have required a deciding set.

Is this a sign that Alcaraz is coming off the boil, or will the world No 1 take his game to another level at the business end of the Cincinnati Masters this weekend?

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“I can increase my level” – Alcaraz ready for Cincinnati semi-finals

Are Alcaraz’s opponents playing well, or is he out of form in Cincinnati?

Following his three-set win over Max Purcell, where the Spaniard again went the distance for the third time in Cincinnati, Carlos Alcaraz has explained how he’s feeling about his game.

“I feel like I’m playing well. Obviously not my best. I can increase my level, of course,” Alcaraz said.

However, the world No 1 went on to highlight that he doesn’t believe the score lines of his recent matches are only a reflection of his current level, saying:

“I feel the opponents, when they are playing against me, I’m going to say, well, they play a little bit better.”

Now that Alcaraz is a more established player on the ATP Tour, perhaps this is true, with opponents understanding his style and seeing an opportunity to defeat a world No 1 when they step on court.

Alcaraz ready for Hurkacz rematch in Cincinnati

One of the toughest matches Carlos Alcaraz has played post-Wimbledon has been his round of 16 defeat to Hubert Hurkacz at the Toronto Masters last week.

Now, a week later, Alcaraz has the opportunity for another crack at Hurkacz, with a rematch set in the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals this Saturday.

“We had a great match, really tough one,” said Alcaraz of his match against the Pole recently. “I mean, here in Cincinnati the court is a little bit faster than in Toronto, so probably suits better to his game. Big serves, big shots.”

Alcaraz claimed their meeting in Toronto by way of a third set tiebreak, but will be hoping it doesn’t go quite as down to the wire this week.

“We have to show our best level to beat him. He’s playing well. Is going to be a really interesting for us semifinal. Really fun to watch.”

It’s safe to say that an energetic Alcaraz will take the court against Hurkacz on Saturday, with the Spaniard revealing that, “Tomorrow against Hubie is going to be a really good time to motivate myself with Rocky.”

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