Tomas Machac will have a chance to face Carlos Alcaraz tomorrow for a semi-final spot in the Masters 1000 in Shanghai. The Czech player played a great match today against Tommy Paul, prevailing despite the American was ahead by one set and one break. Machac and Alcaraz have already faced each other this year, in the Davis Cup less than a month ago, with the Czech who put in serious difficulties the Spanish champion before retiring due to cramps. The 21-year-old from Murcia was not in his best form at that time, having been through the premature elimination at the US Open.
Carlos Alcaraz, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
Carlitos has regained his best tennis in recent weeks, he just won the ATP 500 in Beijing and has not lost a set in Shanghai. The four-time Grand Slam champion prevailed over the two young Chinese Shang and Wu and the French ace Gael Monfils, who could not do anything against a great version of Alcaraz.
The world number 2 is determined to close its 2024 well, so as to present himself in huge form at the 2025 Australian Open. The former world number 1 may not yet be able to take the first place of Jannik Sinner, but his goal is to recover points from here to the end of the season.
Machac is dangerous
Alcaraz may face his great rival Sinner in the semi-final of the Shanghai Masters 1000, but he cannot afford to underestimate Machac. The Czech player – who will be able to play without any pressure – has promised that he will give his all to achieve this feat. “I think I have a chance to beat him because I am playing fantastic tennis. I am looking forward to the match a lot, after the great level we both showed in our Davis Cup duel. It hurt not being able to finish that match. I think we are going to have fun” – the World No.33 said.
The feeling is that Carlitos’ level has risen further since the last match between them played in the Davis Cup in Valencia. The former world number 1 has increased his confidence after winning the title in Beijing and he expressed a really brilliant tennis in the first three rounds in Shanghai.
Gael Monfils & Carlos Alcaraz, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
During the press conference, the four-time Grand Slam champion revealed what has changed in recent weeks: “The freedom with which I play. I’m not afraid to make mistakes. I keep trying, even if I fail. Most of the time, it works out well for me, so I can’t complain. When things don’t go as well as I want or I don’t feel as good as I’d like, I ultimately feel that everything will improve.”
Alcaraz is ready for his next match: “I played against him not long ago, in the Davis Cup. He wasn’t well and had to retire. I know he has been playing well and has many weapons. He is very fast, so I will have to focus on that.” The Spaniard has never hidden his desire to make history in this sport and to become one of the best players ever. The world number 2 has already broken several records and his completeness is truly incredible for a player of just 21 years old.
Carlitos is on fire again
During a recent interview, tennis legend and top analyst John McEnroe paid tribute to Carlitos: “He’s better than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at 21 for me… Alcaraz is a unique individual that we need around in the sport for long time. You gotta love what he brings to the sport. Carlos Alcaraz is my favorite player to watch. He’s the most skilled young man I’ve ever seen playing at this age. It’s hard to imagine he can keep improving cause he is so good at everything already.”
Carlos Alcaraz, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
The next step that the Spaniard will have to do is to become more consistent throughout the season and avoid physical problems. An injury to his forearm left him in the spring, forcing him to skip Monte Carlo and Rome, while the defeat in the Olympic final cost him mainly in Cincinnati and at the US Open. Regularity is the main aspect that allowed Sinner to become number 1 in the world and build a remarkable gap on all his opponents, including Carlos.
The Italian ace has reached at least the quarterfinals in all 14 tournaments he played this year, a monstrous consistency that certifies his rise. Despite the level expressed by Jannik, Alcaraz has defeated him three times in 2024 always in very prestigious tournaments. The 21-year-old from Murcia prevailed in the semi-finals of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, in the semifinals of the French Open and in the semi-final in Beijing.