Carlos Alcaraz continued his serene progress through the Rotterdam Open draw, beating fellow Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-2 6-1 in Friday's quarter-final match. (More Tennis News)
Following a scare in the opening round against Botic van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz was untroubled in a 6-2 6-1 victory over Andrea Vavassori in the last 16.
He triumphed by the same scoreline again on Friday, dragging his compatriot from side to side in a contest that lasted just 71 minutes.
The four-time grand slam champion broke in the opening game of each set and did not allow Martinez to force a single break point.
"I played really good tennis today, a really high level. I have done the right things again," Alcaraz said in his on-court interview.
"I was really focused before the match, on my own tennis. I tried to put everything in today.
"Being aggressive, pushing him to the limit on every point. I think I did the perfect match and I am happy to keep improving every day. Hopefully in the semi-finals I will be even better."
Alcaraz will face either Hubert Hurkacz or 2021 Rotterdam champion Andrey Rublev for a spot in the final on Saturday.
Data Debrief: The king of Spain
Alcaraz tends to enjoy facing his compatriots. He has won his last 12 matches in a row against fellow Spanish players.
That feat has only previously been accomplished by three men– Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2004, Rafael Nadal in 2009 and Pablo Carreno Busta in 2020.
