Australia’s Alex de Minaur has stormed into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, setting up a high-stakes showdown with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.
De Minaur produced a clinical performance on Thursday, needing just 62 minutes to dispatch British lucky loser Jacob Fearnley 6-1, 6-2. The win follows his straight-sets victory over Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in round two and continues his strong form on clay this season.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, overcame a minor scare in the second set to defeat Serbia’s Laslo Djere 6-2, 6-4. The Spanish star, who lifted the Monte Carlo Masters title last week, looked sharp as he prepares to defend his French Open crown.
Despite falling behind 4-2 in the second set, Alcaraz quickly shifted gears, reeling off four straight games to close out the match in commanding style.
“After going 4-2 down in the second, I played more like myself,” said Alcaraz post-match.
“I’m happy to raise my level and get back to my best. It’s great that all the top players have made the quarters — it’ll be a battle from here.”
Alcaraz is seeking to continue his bounce-back after an inconsistent start to the season, which included a first-round exit at the Miami Open.
Fearnley Falters on Clay
Competing on clay for the first time this week, Fearnley struggled to find rhythm against De Minaur. The Brit committed 28 unforced errors and failed to convert either of his two break point opportunities. Despite earning a place in the main draw as a lucky loser, his only win came in the first round against Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
Davidovich Fokina Scores Breakthrough Win
In other results, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pulled off a statement victory, defeating world No. 8 Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4. The Spaniard, ranked 30th, had never beaten Rublev in five previous meetings but finally prevailed in a match full of momentum swings.
Davidovich Fokina broke three times in the opening set and held firm in the second, closing out the match with a confident love hold.
He will now face Karen Khachanov, who edged past fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 7-5, 6-4. The Russian converted just four of 15 break point opportunities but proved too strong in the end.
Quarter-Final Line-Up Heats Up
Defending champion Casper Ruud is set to face Holger Rune, while last year’s runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas will meet rising French talent Arthur Fils in the remaining quarter-final matches on Friday.
With the tournament’s top seeds still in contention, the stage is set for an explosive finish in Barcelona.
