By Santiago Aparicio
Sports Desk (EFE).- World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz brushed aside concerns over a recent left ankle sprain to defeat Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday and book a place in the Tokyo quarterfinals against American Brandon Nakashima.
The world No. 1 had injured himself on Thursday against Argentina’s Sebastián Báez, opting to skip Friday’s training session and test his movement only before stepping onto the court against Bergs.
With his left foot strapped, Alcaraz showed no lingering discomfort once play began, wrapping up the match in just 80 minutes.
Bergs, ranked 45th and still chasing his first ATP title, briefly threatened when he broke Alcaraz early to lead 2-1 in the opening set.
But the Spaniard responded with four straight games to take control and close the set 6-4.
In the second, Alcaraz raced ahead 3-0 and never looked back, despite conceding three service breaks over the match.
Bergs fought to stay competitive, he had beaten Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the previous round, but could not maintain the pressure, surrendering 6-3.
The 22-year-old Spaniard has now won 49 of his last 52 matches since April, lifting titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s, Cincinnati and the US Open.
Saturday’s win marked his 64th victory of the year and extended his streak to nine straight quarterfinal appearances on the ATP Tour.
He will next face Nakashima, who advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. Their clash will close Sunday’s session at the Ariake Colosseum. EFE
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