Carlos Alcaraz (Image - Davis Cup)
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz locks horns with Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Argentina Open on Friday
The 19-year-old finally began the season after missing more than three months of action owing to abdominal and hamstring injuries.
After receiving a first-round bye, he faced Laslo Djere in the round of 16. Alcaraz defeated the Serbian star in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in two hours. The Spaniard did not face a break point in the first and the third sets. Alcaraz will only get better as he plays more matches after the long layoff.
The Serbian veteran has managed to reach his first ATP quarterfinal since the 2022 Austrian Open. Lajovic has played some fine tennis to reach this far in the Argentina Open.
The 32-year-old started his campaign with a terrific come-from-behind win against 6th seed Sebastian Baez in the round of 32. Lajovic won the match 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 as he converted 7 out of 12 break points. In the round of 16, Lajovic eased past Camilo Ugo Carabelli, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. Lajovic was exceptional with the second serves. He had a win percentage of 91 with the second serves. Lajovic converted 4 out of 9 break points. He will be relishing the challenge of playing one of the best players in the current ATP circuit in the quarterfinals.
Carlos Alcaraz has a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head scoreline as of now. He defeated Lajovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 in the 2022 Australian Open.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
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