Carlos Alcaraz reached the final of the Cincinnati Open in 2023 but was beaten by Novak Djokovic in three sets
Carlos Alcaraz has stated that players “don’t feel that good” for approximately half of their matches during a tennis season. The Spaniard secured his tour-leading 50th victory of 2025 at the Cincinnati Open.
The 22-year-old defeated Serbian Hamad Medjedovic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, during the third round, marking his 13th consecutive Masters 1000 win.
Alcaraz is the first player since Novak Djokovic, who achieved the feat from 2013 to 2016, to record 50 wins in four successive seasons.
The world number two is scheduled to face Italian Luca Nardi in the fourth round on Wednesday.
“You have to think positive and just play your best tennis possible that day,” said the five-time Grand Slam winner.
“I’m really happy that in really difficult matches I’m able to play my best tennis even though I’m not feeling the right way.
“I’m just happy and proud about it because it’s something I’m working on.”
Nardi, 22, a lucky loser in the draw, was leading 16th seed Jakub Mensik 6-2, 2-1 when the Czech player retired from their third-round match.
The first set between Medjedovic and Alcaraz was closely contested in the sweltering Ohio conditions, but Alcaraz secured a break for 4-3 before closing out the set.
Medjedovic subsequently received treatment from the physiotherapist for neck pain.
Medjedovic, also 22, had an opportunity to take the lead in the second set at 3-3, but his attempt at two drop shots both failed to clear the net. Alcaraz then edged ahead to take a 4-3 advantage once again, ultimately securing the victory.
Alcaraz’s career includes seven ATP Masters 1000 trophies, including the Monte Carlo and Rome titles this year.
He also successfully defended his French Open title, defeating Jannik Sinner in a remarkable final at Roland Garros in June. Sinner then defeated Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final a month later.
Following the Cincinnati tournament, Alcaraz will travel to New York for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, commencing on 24 August.
Rinderknech collapses on court in Cincinnati heat
Norrie struggles in heat during straight-set loss
Players have faced challenging conditions with the heat throughout this week’s tournament, as temperatures have consistently exceeded 30C.
Francisco Comesana and Reilly Opelka both required medical timeouts during their third-round match, which was also interrupted for 45 minutes due to rain.
Comesana of Argentina won 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-5, saving three match points. He required medical attention in the second set, with a ball girl providing him with a sick bag as he returned to his seat.
Opelka, representing the United States, also requested medical assistance in the final set, citing dizziness and high blood pressure after being broken to trail 5-6.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, the second seed, advanced to the last 16 without playing after Dayana Yastremska withdrew from their third-round match due to illness.
Gauff, who won the tournament in 2023, will now face Lucia Bronzetti of Italy for a place in the quarter-finals.
Heavy rain and lightning led to the suspension of the night session at 21:03 local time.
Alexander Zverev, the men’s third seed, was leading 6-4, 5-4 and preparing to serve for the match against Brandon Nakashima of the United States when play was halted.
Jessica Pegula, the fourth seed, and Magda Linette were also unable to complete their match.
Linette won the first set 7-6 (7-5), but Pegula had responded to take the second 6-3 before the interruption.
Ben Shelton’s match against Roberto Bautista Agut and Clara Tauson’s meeting with Veronika Kudermetova have both been moved to Wednesday.
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