Alcaraz Powers Into Barcelona Open Quarter-Finals with Straight-Set Win

World number two Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive clay court form as he eased past Serbia's Laslo Djere to reach the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open. The Spanish star, who recently lifted the Monte Carlo Masters title, defeated Djere 6-2 6-4 in a commanding performance on home soil.

Alcaraz, 21, stormed through the opening set, winning the first five games and hitting eight unanswered winners. Though he suffered a brief setback in the second set falling behind 4-2 he quickly regrouped, raising his level to win the final four games and seal the match in straight sets.

“After going 4-2 down in the second, I played a bit more like what my level is,” Alcaraz said post-match. “I am very happy that I could step up and seem more like my best. I want to continue this way.”

Next up for Alcaraz is Australian fifth seed Alex de Minaur, who cruised past Britain’s Jacob Fearnley with a 6-1 6-2 win. Fearnley had earlier celebrated his first ATP Tour victory on clay against Roberto Carballes Baena but found De Minaur too strong in the round of 16.

In other results, Russian fourth seed Andrey Rublev was knocked out by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who won 7-5 6-4. Davidovich Fokina will now face fellow unseeded player Karen Khachanov in the quarters, after the Russian overcame Jaume Munar with an identical 7-5 6-4 scoreline.

As the tournament progresses, Alcaraz remains a clear favorite to defend his title and claim a third Barcelona Open crown