Carlos Alcaraz is acutely aware that he must strive for brilliant results at both the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the US Open if he is to overtake his top rival Jannik Sinner at the top of the ATP rankings by the end of this season.
The Spanish ace's level in Ohio rose as the rounds went on, after the five-time Grand Slam champion risked more than expected on his debut in this tournament against Bosnian veteran Damir Dzumhur. The world number 2 immediately wanted to practice after that match to adjust some details and that strategy worked, considering that he put in the best performance of his tournament against Luca Nardi in the round of 16.
However, the star from Murcia will have to raise his level even further to beat Andrey Rublev today. The Russian player is gradually regaining his certainties after facing a serious crisis and will not have too much pressure today, knowing that his rival is clearly favored and must try to qualify for the semifinals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rublev will face Alcaraz
The champion from Moscow created some problems for the former world number 1 at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, winning the first set and forcing Carlitos to have to come back on the iconic Centre Court.
During his press conference, Andrey expressed his feelings ahead of the big match against Alcaraz: That I must keep working, that its the right path; its the level I need to aim for to be able to compete. I just need to keep building, consolidating and improving, so that I can sustain that level for a long time, without any dips.
The Russian also added: At that level, one or two points, and you get broken. Against players like that, you have to play at that level for four hours without losing focus even slightly. That is what I am aiming for.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rublev defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, when the Spaniard was not at the top of his shape due to a forearm injury.
