‘Best feeling’

Published 27/03/2024 at 07:49 GMT

It was another hugely impressive performance from Carlos Alcaraz as the Spaniard cruised past Lorenzo Musetti of Italy to progress to the quarter-finals at the Miami Open. In continuing his serene progress in Florida, Alcaraz remains very much on course to clinch the Sunshine Double if he can go all the way once more following his triumph at Indian Wells.Alcaraz cruises past Musetti to reach quarter-finals in style – Miami Open highlights

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday night with a comfortable straight-sets, 6-3 6-3, victory over Lorenzo Musetti.

The outcome of the match never really looked in doubt as Alcaraz stormed past the No. 23 seed from Italy, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament last year, in convincing fashion on the lead court at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Alcaraz struck 23 winners in the match, and he was left to reflect on a performance that he was very happy with as he said it was “the best feeling since last summer” when he won at Wimbledon for the first time. His triumph at Indian Wells was his first title since that glory at SW19.

“I know that his style is playing from the back with spin,” he began as he talked about Musetti’s game. “I tried to not let him feel comfortable on the court.

“I tried to play my game, play aggressive with my shots, go to the net, drop shots, my style. I think I did pretty well and I’m really happy with my performance.

“I don’t know if this is the best game that I’m playing, but without a doubt it’s the best feeling,” he continued.

“I’m feeling great on the court. I’m moving great, not injured or thinking about the ankle [injury] anymore. I think [this is] the best feeling since last summer.”

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates his victory over Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the fourth round of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida

Image credit: Getty Images

Alcaraz’s next opponent in the quarter-finals will be veteran Grigor Dimitrov, who continued his run in Miami with a hard-fought win over eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz in three sets, 3-6 6-3 7-6(3).

The world No. 12 is enjoying a strong career resurgence and is hoping to return to the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time since 2018.

The Bulgarian said of facing Alcaraz in the next round: “I’m looking forward to the match. Everyone wants to challenge the best of the world.

“Clearly, he’s been playing outstanding tennis, but so am I. I’ve been very consistent on a lot of ends. I think if I clean up my game a little bit it can be very interesting.

“I’m excited because these are the types of matches I want to play. First time in the quarter-finals here, I think it gives you an extra boost.”

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