Machac stuns Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters semi-finals
World number two Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock exit at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday, falling to 33rd-ranked Tomas Machac 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. Machac’s impressive performance sets up a semi-final clash against world number one Jannik Sinner, who earlier dispatched an injured Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 6-4.
Machac battled through a tight first set, edging Alcaraz in a tiebreak after neither player could break serve. The 20-year-old Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, acknowledged his difficulties against the Czech player, who used his speed and power effectively. “I felt like I was playing against top five—his level was so high,” said Alcaraz.
Despite breaking Machac in the second set to level the score at 3-3, Alcaraz could not maintain momentum. Machac regained control, breaking again in the 11th game to secure the win. “I have to play this well to beat him,” said Machac after the victory.
Meanwhile, Sinner showed his dominance over Medvedev, breaking the Russian twice in the first set. Medvedev, struggling with a shoulder issue, was unable to keep up. “He didn’t play at his best, but this can happen and I took advantage of that today,” Sinner said.