Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Taylor Fritz have been three of the best players on tour in 2023. On Tuesday at the Miami Open, they showed why–again.
All three rolled into the quarterfinals at the second leg of the Sunshine Double with straight-set wins in the fourth round. Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul, Jannik Sinner cruised past Andrey Rublev, and Fritz made short work of Holger Rune.
Alcaraz’s title defense continues
Paul did well to simply win eight games, as Alcaraz displayed his typically incredible level pretty much from start to finish en route to a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
“I played a really great match and I hope to play the same level in the quarterfinal,” Miami’s defending champion said. “I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to get through…. I feel at home here. It is easy to play here in Miami with all the energy I receive every day. I am enjoying myself and I think that is the key to playing at such a high level every match.”
Sinner too good for Rublev
Sinner is on fire in 2023 and he has always played well in Miami. That’s a dangerous combination, and it’s one that was far too tough for Rublev to overcome on Tuesday afternoon. Sinner surged into the last eight with a 6-2, 6-4 romp that required only one hour and 12 minutes.
“We try our best every day and I’m very happy about the performance today,” the 21-year-old Italian commented. “Playing against Andrey is never easy. He serves very well and he plays very aggressive, so I had to change a little bit today. For sure, my level was great. I felt good on court, so hopefully I can keep it up in the next round.”
Fritz flies into quarterfinals
While Alcaraz is looking to capture the 2023 Sunshine Double, Fritz is hoping to complete the career Sunshine Double. The 2022 Indian Wells champion is safely through to the Miami quarters after beating Rune 6-3, 6-4.
“I couldn’t play aggressively in my first two matches because my opponents were hitting every ball as hard as they could,” explained Fritz, who had previously defeated Emilio Nava and Denis Shapovalov. “[Rune] still crushes the ball, but it was nice to feel I had some more time. The first two rounds it was impossible to play my game; I just had to make balls. Today when I got the chance to be aggressive, I was; and I just wanted to serve well and try not to give him many free points.”
who ya got winning this title?