Carlos Alcaraz moved decisively through the quarterfinals, marking another strong step in his season. At the Umag ATP 250, a title he celebrated for the first time just a year earlier, he stormed past Facundo Bagnis with a dominant 6-0, 6-4 victory. The Spaniard, who has captured Masters 1000 wins in Miami and Madrid this year, displayed exceptional conversion and pace, particularly in the opening set where his shots left his opponent yielding ground and opportunities unmade. World No. 168, 20-year-old Italian Giulio Zeppieri, now stands as Alcaraz’s formidable semifinal challenger this Saturday, promising a volatile contest in the same stadium.
Alcaraz wrapped up the first set in just 27 minutes, a display of relentless forehands and precise serves. Hitting with purpose from El Palmar, he broke Bagnis in the opening game and continued to pressure the Argentinian’s defense in every rally. The Spaniard collected thirty-two winning points and converted on 85% of his first serves, pressing the tempo at every opportunity. He closed the set by dictating play, leaving Bagnis with little room to respond.
The second set proved tighter, yet Alcaraz never appeared unsettled. He began again with a break, then rattled off eight consecutive games before Bagnis found a moment to push back. In the ninth game, the Argentine finally earned a point, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd who hoped for a longer battle. Ferrero’s pupil sought a quick finish on the fast clay, but in the fifth game he faced resistance, as the serve from his opponent held firm. Bagnis rallied, showing improved consistency, and briefly climbed back to 4-3 and then 5-4, testing Alcaraz in the serve-and-return exchanges. Although Bagnis earned the first break point of the set, a decisive return and a powerful serve from Alcaraz sealed the win. The match closed with a strong, uncompromising serve, confirming Alcaraz’s place in the semifinal lineup.
Looking ahead to Goran Ivanisevic Stadium, Alcaraz’s next hurdle is Giulio Zeppieri, the young Italian ranked 168th and just 20 years old, who advanced through the qualifiers and then stunned veteran Bernabé Zapata with a 7-5, 6-4 triumph. Zeppieri’s season has featured notable moments, including impressive performances in Challenger events and a climb into the deeper rounds of ATP competition. On the other side of the quarter, second seed Jannik Sinner continued his recent strong form by beating Roberto Carballés 6-4, 7-5, setting up a semifinal clash with Italian Franco Agamenone, who previously defeated Marco Cecchinato (6-2, 6-1). The stage is set for a weekend of high-caliber tennis as players push toward the title on the sunlit courts. [citation: ATP, match reports and tournament updates]