Published: 15:59, April 23, 2022 | Updated: 15:59, April 23, 2022
Alcaraz to break into top 10 with win over Tsitsipas in Barcelona
By Reuters

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz Garfia reacts during his Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tournament tennis match against US' Sebastian Korda in Monaco on April 13, 2022. (VALERY HACHE / AFP)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz will break into the world's top 10 rankings for the first time on Monday after the teenager defeated top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals of the claycourt tournament in Barcelona.

Alcaraz, 18, overcame a comeback charge from world number five Tsitsipas to reach his fourth semifinal of the season with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory on Friday.

Probably my biggest win on clay court. It was unbelievable.

Carlos Alcaraz, Spanish tennis player

When Alcaraz enters the top 10 on Monday, he will do so at the same age, on the same date and following the same tournament as compatriot and 21-times major winner Rafa Nadal in 2005.

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"Probably my biggest win on clay court. It was unbelievable," said Alcaraz, who has won all three of his meetings with Greek Tsitsipas.

"Unbelievable game that I played, an unbelievable atmosphere that I lived today on court. The atmosphere here, the crowd, the level that I played, the level of the match. It was incredible."

Alcaraz said he is confident of winning the ATP 500 tournament after knocking out Tsitsipas, who captured his second straight Monte Carlo Masters crown last week.

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"I think I beat the favorite," Alcaraz said. "I'm playing an incredible level. And I think that I'm ready to get the title."

Alcaraz is seeking a third trophy this season following his maiden ATP Masters 1000 triumph in Miami and the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro.

He will face Australian Alex de Minaur in Saturday's semi-finals.