Madrid Masters: Qualifier Karatsev makes semi-finals, ends Zhang’s dream run

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev beat China’s Zhizhen Zhang 7-6 (3), 6-4 to advance to the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters at the Caja Magica on Thursday.

Karatsev is now in his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, and came into the match having dropped just one set in six matches, including the two he won in qualifying.

He did it in just one hour and 41 minutes, hitting 30 winners compared to his opponent’s nine.

“I think I get up my level. I bring it back. I don’t know how to compare if I play the same as two years ago, but I feel great on court. I feel confident. I stay focused on my game.” said Karatsev in his press conference.

Karatsev, ranked No 121, will now face the winner of the match between German lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff and Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No 4 seed, next.

Earlier in the tournament, the Russian won against Serb Laslo Djere (7-6 (5), 7-5), Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, the No 23 seed (6-2, 7-5), Australian Alex De Minaur, the No 16 seed (6-3, 4-6, 6-4) and second seed Daniil Medvedev (7-6 (1), 6-4).

Zhang has had a spectacular week, with three third-set tiebreak wins in a row: over Denis Shapovalov in the second round, Cameron Norrie in the third, and Taylor Fritz in the fourth.

Ranked as the world No 99 before the tournament, he will be climbing up the rankings regardless as the first Chinese man to reach an ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.

Madrid Masters, other last eight results (Caja Magica, clay, EUR 7.705.780, most recent results first):

• Jan-Lennard Struff vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas
• Borna Coric (17) beat Daniel Altmaier (LL): 6-3, 6-3
• Carlos Alcaraz (1) beat Karen Khachanov (10): 6-4, 7-5

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