On February 18th, Beijing time, the men’s singles quarter-finals of the ATP250 tournament in Buenos Aires ended. The world’s second-ranked Alcaraz defeated the world’s No. 2 player 6-4, 6-2. Lajovic, ranked 90th, successfully advanced to the top four.

In the semi-finals, Alcaraz will face Spanish compatriot Zapata, who eliminated No. 5 seed Serendolo 2-1.

Excellent return from injury

　　This is Alcaraz's first game after returning from injury. He chose to participate in a 250-point competition in South America. Naturally, he has the intention of testing his recovery from injury.

He hasn't played since last year's ATP1000 Paris Masters, and today, he shows no signs of discomfort in Argentina; This is my second race of the year and I'm very happy with my performance."

　　Last year, Alcaraz was the first to break the sky. He achieved a record of 57 wins and 13 losses throughout the season, with a winning rate of 81%. Rio, Barcelona) champion, the world ranking from No. 32 at the beginning of the year to No. 1 in the world after the end of the US Open on September 12.

　　At the age of 19, Alcaraz became the youngest year-end world number one in ATP history, breaking the 18-year monopoly of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray on the year-end world number one.

　　Although all this is perfect, the injury is also accompanied by the shadow. Due to the tear of the internal oblique muscle of the left abdomen, Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from the Paris Masters and the ATP year-end finals; Shen pulled a thigh muscle and withdrew the entire Australian season, including the Australian Open.

And Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open championship, replacing the Spaniard to regain the world's No. 1 throne in men's singles.

The key to success: look forward without fear of difficulties

　　After 5 months of recovery and rest, Alcaraz ushered in his 2023 season debut in Buenos Aires.

At present, Alcaraz is only 340 points away from the world's No. 1 Djokovic, and the world ranking will undergo shock changes in the North American season.

　　After taking down Lajovic, Alcaraz said, "I played very well from the beginning to the last goal, the last point. I knew it would be very difficult. He played very well on the clay court, yes. A great player." Alcaraz said he used "eighteen martial arts" in his game, from his impressive backhand to his trademark lob win, and he showed enough. Confidence

　　After 1 hour and 34 minutes of fierce fighting, Alcaraz completed 5 break points in 10 break points.

Next, Alcaraz will attack for the first championship of the new year. If he is in good physical condition, he will then move to the North American arena to prepare for returning to the world number one.

　　"In the past year, I achieved all my dreams, and I didn't expect it to come so fast. I always say that the best people in the world never stand still. Over time, they keep improving, like Federer, Nadal With Djokovic, they were both very good when they were young, but as they got older, they have been improving. I think I can improve everything, including technique, fitness and mentality. My team will help me step by step, so that I get better." Alcaraz said, "I always look forward and I am not afraid of the difficulties I will face. This is the key to my success. I will not be afraid of the players I face in the game. When the greatest players like Nadal and Djokovic play, I have a lot of respect for them, but I will still try to beat them."

　　Sun Jiahui, all-media reporter of Guangzhou Daily