Alcaraz advances to the last 16 after beating Basilashvili
In Madrid, the Murcian star Carlos Alcaraz Garfia has a clear view of his next test as he moves into the round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open. After knocking out Georgian Nikolai Basilashvili in the second round, a new challenge lies ahead on Thursday, which also marks Alcaraz’s 19th birthday. His next opponent is Cameron Norrie, a British player currently ranked 11th in the world. Norrie earned a hard-fought win over American John Isner in Caja Mágica, closing out a three-set match with scores that read 6-4, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, in a tense affair. The result adds another intriguing chapter to a Madrid tournament that is proving to be a showcase for testing matchups and rising form. [EFE]
Two wins, two battles for Alcaraz
Alcaraz and Norrie have shared the court twice before, both on hard surfaces, meaning Thursday will bring their first encounter on clay. Previously, Alcaraz defeated Norrie decisively in the United States Open affair, taking the match with a straight-sets win of 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Their second meeting came later in the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 at Indian Wells, where Ferrero prevailed with a 6-4, 6-3 result. The schedule for tomorrow remains undeclared by the organizers, leaving fans and analysts focused on how the pair will adapt to the Madrid clay and the heightened pressure of a potential late-year Masters run. [EFE]