Top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz secured a spot in the last 16 at the Miami Open by defeating Gael Monfils in two straight sets. The 20-year-old Spaniard won 6-2 6-4 and will now face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.
Alcaraz, who recently won the Indian Wells tournament, aims to continue his winning streak. In another match, German fourth seed Alexander Zverev overcame a tough first set to beat American Christopher Eubanks 7-6 (7-4) 6-3. Despite a brief challenge when serving for the match at 5-2 up, Alcaraz, the 2022 tournament winner, controlled his match against his 37-year-old opponent.
However, the comeback was short-lived, and the world number two, Carlos Alcaraz, who had spectators like Brazilian footballer Neymar, Miami Heat basketballer Jimmy Butler, and 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro watching, clinched victory on his first match point.
Alcaraz commented on Monfils, saying, “He’s a great athlete. He reaches almost every ball.” He also mentioned how he utilized his forehand, his best shot, to move Monfils around the court and tire him out.
Zverev, on the other hand, minimized his unforced errors, capitalized on his break-point opportunities, and saved most of the break points he faced against Eubanks.
Reflecting on his match, Zverev said, “It was a difficult match. I thought he was in control of it throughout the first set.” Despite Eubanks having a chance to serve out the first set at 5-3, Zverev managed to break him and later built a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Zverev’s upcoming opponent will be Russian 15th seed Karen Khachanov, who won a tight match against Argentine 20th seed Francisco Cerundolo.
