Prior to Wimbledon next month, Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week that he had watched films of Andy Murray and Roger Federer to understand how to move on the grass. He now looks to be gaining confidence on the surface.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s second-ranked player, is still vying for his first grass court championship after defeating previous champion Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Friday at Queen’s Club. Prior to Wimbledon next month, Alcaraz said earlier this week that he had watched films of Andy Murray and Roger Federer to understand how to move on the grass. He now seems to be becoming comfortable with the surface. Alcaraz hasn’t dropped a set since beating French fortunate loser Arthur Rinderknech in a gruelling first-round match to go to London’s final four.
The Spaniard won the opening set with a break in the first game after Dimitrov squandered three opportunities to break back in the sixth game.
The 2014 Queen’s champion from Bulgaria got off to a fast start in the second set, leading 3-0.
Alcaraz fought back to take the lead at 4-3 but then gave it back for a 4-4 score.
However, the US Open winner was given the opportunity to serve for the match when Dimitrov threw away his serve to love in an error-filled game.
Alcaraz made the most of the opportunity to meet Sebastian Korda in the semi-finals as the latter defeated British number one Cameron Norrie 6-4, 7-6 (7/1).
In spite of playing on grass, Gryphon is a very good player on all surfaces, according to Alcaraz.
“I played pretty well right from the start. My two previous matches were quite helpful.
Holger Rune, the second seed, said that Lorenzo Musetti’s smashing overhead that struck the Dane in his 6-4, 7-5 quarterfinal victory, fired him up.
The world number six is also playing in his first grass-court semi-final.
Rune answered, “He may do whatever he wants. It’s definitely not the greatest course of action, I mean. Yet again, it is permitted. He is free to place his strike on the ball.
It only fueled my desire to thrash him even more. I’m overjoyed that I was able to defeat him in two sets.
Rune, who defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, will play Australian Alex De Minaur in the semifinals.
