Top seed Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for a Sunshine Double came to a stunning halt as he suffered a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Grigor Dimitrov in the Miami Open quarter-finals. Dimitrov, the 11th seed, showcased dominance by winning 77% of his first-serve points and breaking Alcaraz’s serve four times during the match, securing victory in just 92 minutes.
For Alcaraz, who entered Miami with high spirits after claiming the Indian Wells title, the loss was particularly disappointing as it dashed his hopes of achieving the Sunshine Double, a feat not accomplished by a male player since Roger Federer in 2017.
Reflecting on his victory, Dimitrov acknowledged the challenge posed by Alcaraz, emphasizing the necessity to perform at one’s best against such formidable opponents. He highlighted his focused approach and clear game plan as crucial factors in securing the win.
Dimitrov’s next opponent will be the German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 7-5. Despite facing tough conditions, including windy weather, Zverev displayed his prowess by capitalizing on break-point opportunities and maintaining a strong first-serve percentage throughout the match.
Impressed by Marozsan’s performance, Zverev commended the rising talent and predicted a bright future for him in the tennis world. Zverev’s victory marked his return to the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time since finishing as the runner-up in 2018.
