Alcaraz Overpowers Home Talent Bu In Epic Duel To Progress At Shanghai Masters

Carlos Alcaraz displayed some of his finest tennis to overcome Yibing Wu and secure his spot in the next round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The 21-year-old Spaniard faced a challenging draw at this ATP Masters 1000 tournament, starting with Juncheng Shang, a talented local player whom Alcaraz managed to defeat in straight sets.

Coming off a victory in Beijing, where he claimed the title, Alcaraz had little time to rest before his next challenge. In the third round in Shanghai, he faced yet another local player, Yibing Wu, who, like Shang, enjoyed immense support from the home crowd. Wu had been in tremendous form during his previous matches, showing dominance on the court. Known for his immense talent but hampered by injuries, Wu had easily dispatched Sumit Nagal 6-3, 6-3, and demolished Nicolas Jarry 6-2, 6-1.

Before the match, Alcaraz acknowledged Wu’s capabilities, particularly after Wu’s commanding win over Jarry. “I know he was in the top 100 and has won an ATP title,” said Alcaraz. “He plays great tennis. Watching him beat Jarry so easily is impressive, so I have to be really focused for that match. I’ll be watching or re-watching his match against Jarry to prepare as best as possible.”

From the outset of their encounter, it was clear why Alcaraz had approached the match with such caution. Wu brought his best game, challenging the reigning World No. 2. Both players held their serves comfortably in the early stages, with the score tied at 4-4 after the first eight games. In the ninth game, Alcaraz had two break points but was unable to convert, leading to a tie-break to decide the set.

In the tie-break, Wu took the lead twice, first at 2-0 and later at 3-1, but Alcaraz fought back each time. Wu also led 4-3, only to lose the mini-break advantage again. With three consecutive points, Alcaraz secured the first set 7-6(5) in an intense battle.

In the second set, Alcaraz found his rhythm, particularly with his serve, hitting seven aces to bring his match total to 11. Despite not being known for his serving strength, especially compared to other top players, his impressive baseline game, combined with his serving, allowed him to dominate. He cruised through the second set, winning 6-3, and closed out the match in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-3, advancing to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters.

Alcaraz will now face a French player in the next round, though the identity of his opponent will depend on the outcome of a match between Ugo Humbert, the 16th seed, and Gael Monfils.