Alcaraz battles past a tenacious Dan Evans to reach the last 16 in Shanghai

The Spaniard overcame a spirited effort from Dan Evans to prevail 7-6 (1), 6-4. He’ll face Grigor Dimitrov, the No 18 seed, in the next round

Carlos Alcaraz competes at the China Open in Beijing in 2023 © Tennis TV

Jamie Malachy

October 9, 2023

Rolex Shanghai Masters •Third round • completed

See draw

C. AlcarazvsD. Evans

Carlos Alcaraz is into the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters, overcoming an excellent performance from Dan Evans to come through 7-6 (1), 6-4 at the Qi Zhong Stadium.

It was a spirited performance throughout the contest from the Briton, who led by a break in each set and frequently matched the Spaniard for variety and flair.

Evans’ willingness to play Alcaraz at his own all-court game, with regular use of drop shots and frequent forays to the net, made for a highly absorbing tennis match.

Excellent Evans puts on entertaining show against Alcaraz

The Spaniard was put on the back foot almost immediately, with Evans moving into a 4-1 lead courtesy of an early break followed up by a lengthy consolidating hold.

Alcaraz eventually made the breakthrough he needed in the seventh game, breaking the world No 33 to restore parity.

Evans held firm for the remainder of the set, however, where many others have crumbled in the face of the quality coming from across the net.

Instead, Evans doubled-down on his gameplan to go toe-to-toe with Alcaraz across all dimensions of the court, effectively mirroring the Spaniard’s attempts to disrupt the rhythm of the rallies.

Just like in New York last month, where the pair met in the third round of the US Open, this strategy worked to remarkable effect for the Brit.

Evans and Alcaraz put on a show for the Shanghai crowd

Yet – also as in New York – it ran into trouble at the business end of the set, as Alcaraz rapidly stepped up a gear in the tiebreak, taking it 7-1 to charge into a one-set lead.

But again, Evans came back at him. Showing he was willing to take the match to a lengthy three-setter, Evans continued to pull Alcaraz into extended and energy-consuming rallies.

He made the first move again in the second set, earning another break of the match in the third game. This time, the world No 2 broke straight back to keep the scores locked at two games all.

A close and compelling set of tennis followed, with Alcaraz applying consistent pressure on the Evans serve only for the Briton to keep the Spaniard at bay.

All went on serve until the tenth game of the set. With Evans serving at 5-4 down, the pressure Alcaraz had exerted finally took its toll on Evans, as the Wimbledon champion broke serve in the final game of the match to earn a very hard-fought win.

Dimitrov awaits the world No 2 after tough examination from Evans

“It was a really tough match… It was one of the toughest matches I’ve played so far outside of a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz, who was full of praise for his opponent during his post-match on-court interview.

“Every time that I face Daniel, it’s a tricky match. I have to give my best if I want to beat him.

“It’s been a really tough match. I think both of us played a high quality of tennis. I’m really happy to get through.”

The 20-year-old will face Grigor Dimitrov in the next round in what is sure to be another eye-catching encounter.

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