HSBC Championship: Carlos Alcaraz Wins Epic Three Sets Round Against Jaume Munar To Reach Quarter-finals

 

Carlos Alcaraz held off a scare from a hard-fought round against Jaume Munar, winning in three sets by 6-4, 6-7(7), 7-5 and progressed to the quarter-final of the HSBC (Queen's Club) Championship.

The top seed extended his winning streak to 15 wins since winning two tour-level titles back-to-back - the Italian Open and the French Open - on clay-court. However, his opening round against his countryman, Alejandro Davidovich, was canceled. 

Munar showed a strong resilience and competence, particularly in the second set where he saved a break point to force a tiebreak. Again, he rallied to save two match points to claim a set point. Unfortunately, the Spaniard committed unforced errors twice in the decider, ultimately leading to his defeat. 

"It was a really tough battle that we had today," Alcaraz reflected. "Jaune is a great competitor; he has shown today how difficult it is to beat him." 

Alcaraz had to dig deep to overcome his compatriot. He had an early lead in the opening set before Munar rallied by saving a break at 4-3 to close the lead. Eventually, Alcaraz held off the scare, winning a set point on a drop shot. 

Munar was more resilient and determined in the second set. He saved three break-point advantages to lead by 4-5, leading to a tiebreak. He saved two match points at 6-4 of the tiebreak to win the set. The final was a showdown, but experience was on Alcaraz's side. Though Munar converted his second break point to take a 2-3 lead, he later had unforced errors twice at 6/5, and Alcaraz sealed the match point. 

The one-time champion stands to relive his 2023 performance when he won the Queen's Club and followed up by winning Wimbledon, becoming the youngest player in recent times to lift the trophy. He will face Arthur Rinderknech in the next match.