Karatsev ends Zhang’s groundbreaking run in Madrid

MADRID: Aslan Karatsev won the battle of the underdogs when he edged Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 in Madrid on Thursday.

Karatsev, the Russian ranked 121 in the world, was attempting to reach the last four having had to go through qualifying.

Zhang, ranked 99 and the first Chinese player to make an ATP 1000 event last eight, was attempting to break further new ground by reaching the last four. "I am happy with my condition. Back to the top level," Karatsev said. "Playing well and feeling well."

Between them the two men had knocked out six seeds to reach the last eight with Karatsev dropping only one set in seven matches, as he eliminated second seed and compatriot Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16.

On Thursday, Karatsev kept his nerve better at key moments and saved all three break points he faced in the first set before winning the tie break. He immediately broke in the opening game of the second set before going on to win in one hour and 40 minutes. Karatsev reached the Australian Open last four in 2021 but had never reached the last four in a Masters 1000 event.