Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry in the semifinals of the 2023 Rio Open on Saturday.
The Spanish sensation has managed to reach his 15th career semifinal and is one win away from reaching back-to-back finals.
Alcaraz began his campaign with a relatively comfortable 6-4, 6-4 win against Mateus Alves in the first round. In the second round, Alcaraz came back from a set down to defeat Italian veteran Fabio Fognini 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4. The 19-year-old went on to defeat Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-0). Alcaraz converted 4 out of 6 break points in this encounter.
It has been a dream run for Nicolas Jarry in this tournament thus far. With his run to the semis, he has assured his return to the top 100 in the ATP rankings. Jarry will also become the Chilean No. 1 after the completion of the tournament.
Jarry eased past Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Juan Manuel Cerundolo to make it to the main draw of the Rio Open. The 27-year-old pulled off a huge upset win when he defeated 3rd seed Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 32. The match ended in straight sets 6-4, 6-1. In the round of 16, Jarry outplayed Pedro Martinez in a lopsided affair. The former won the match 6-2, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, Jarry faced the 6th seed, Sebastian Baez. The first seed was won comprehensively by Jarry but the second set was a tight affair. Jarry eventually managed to hold his nerves to win 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
This will be the first time when Alcaraz and Jarry will be facing each other. Therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
More Tennis news
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates