![\"Alcaraz](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/skysports-alcaraz-tennis_7034770.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCarlos Alcaraz booked his place in the Japan Open semi-finals as he claimed a solid 6-2 6-4 win over America’s Brandon Nakashima.<\/p>\n
The World No 1 matched a career-high with his 65th win in a single season as he dominated his opponent, hitting 39 winners in a match that lasted one hour and 20 minutes in Tokyo.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz played well throughout, steaming through the first set and then looking to finish in style, but Nakashima saved three match points.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard brought up the fourth match point with a stunning backhand drop shot that Nakashima couldn’t reach before firing a forehand down the line to seal his victory.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz has now reached the semi-finals in nine consecutive tournaments and will next face Norway’s Casper Ruud, lover whom he has a 4-1 head-to-head record.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Carlos Alcaraz produced this ‘unreal’ winner during his Japan Open quarter-final match against Brandon Nakashima.<\/p>\n
“It’s great to go through and play another semi-final,” Alcaraz said.<\/p>\n
“It’s special because it’s the first time I’m playing here in Japan. It’s great to see a Spanish flag in the draw.<\/p>\n
“I’m feeling great every time I step on the court, and I feel like I can do everything. I’m approaching the end of the season with a lot of confidence, and these kinds of matches help to keep my confidence high.”<\/p>\n
Tale of the Tape <\/p>\n
![\"xx\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/skysports-tennis-alcaraz_7034620.png\")
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Image:
\n Carlos Alcaraz vs Brandon Nakashima <\/p>\n
![\"Carlos](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/skysports-tennis-alcaraz_7034623.png\")
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Image:
\n Carlos Alcaraz books his place in the Japan Open semi-finals<\/p>\n
Gauff holds nerve to book China Open last 16 spot <\/p>\n
![\"Coco](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/skysports-gauff-tennis_7034573.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Highlights from the China Open Round of 32 match between Leylah Fernandez and Coco Gauff.<\/p>\n
Defending champion Coco Gauff dug deep to hold off Leylah Fernandez in a 6-4 4-6 7-5 third-round victory in the China Open to book her place in the last 16.<\/p>\n
Gauff needed two hours and 45 minutes to pull off victory in a match featuring 15 breaks of serve, with Fernandez breaking the American seven times.<\/p>\n
The No 2 seed claimed the first set 6-4 but was pegged back by her opponent who pushed hard in the second to take the match to a decider.<\/p>\n
Fernandez threatened to pull off a stunning comeback in the third set, recovering from 5-2 down to draw level before Gauff got over the line.<\/p>\n
The Canadian managed to save two match points but then netted as she attempted to return Gauff’s drop shot on the third attempt.<\/p>\n
It is the third time Gauff has beaten Fernandez this season and she will face either No 15 seed Belinda Bencic or qualifier Priscilla Hon in the last 16.<\/p>\n
“It was very physical, we were going back and forth,” Gauff said.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, the third set I was playing well, I could’ve served a bit better, but I did what I needed to do to win today.”<\/p>\n