The Shanghai Masters quarterfinals witnessed a stunning upset as Tomas Machac, the unheralded Czech, dethroned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 7-5. This remarkable victory halted Alcaraz’s 12-match winning streak, which included a thrilling triumph over Jannik Sinner in Beijing.
Machac’s triumph was a testament to his aggressive and relentless style of play. He dominated at the net, winning 19 of 20 points, and unleashed 31 winners despite committing 42 unforced errors. In contrast, Alcaraz, despite winning a higher percentage of first and second serve points, struggled to convert his break point opportunities, saving only one of eight.
Machac’s victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with Sinner, who earlier dispatched Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. The Italian, who is now virtually assured of the year-end No. 1 ranking, will be a formidable opponent for Machac. However, the Czech has proven his mettle on hard courts, reaching the fourth round of the US Open and the semifinals of Tokyo this year.
Machac’s rise to prominence has been remarkable. Earlier this year, he reached his first career final on clay in Geneva and his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Miami, where he faced Sinner. While Sinner prevailed in that encounter, Machac is eager for redemption.
“I am looking forward to it,” Machac said. “I am really enjoying it and am happy that I can play against the best [players].”
With Alcaraz’s loss, the Shanghai Masters has become wide open. Sinner remains the favorite, but Machac has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with. The semifinals promise to be an enthralling battle between two of the most exciting young players in tennis.
