China Open: Carlos Alcaraz cruises past Casper Ruud to reach semi-finals

Clashing for the first time since the US Open final last year, Alcaraz came from a break down in the opening set to triumph 6-4 6-2 and claim a fourth win against the Norwegian.

Alcaraz said: "I'm really, really happy. To be able to beat a player like Casper in straight sets, it's really great.

"I'm really happy with the level, to be able to find the solutions after the beginning of the first set.

"Honestly, these matches give you extra confidence."

Second seed Daniil Medvedev recovered from losing the second set to France's Ugo Humbert to win 6-4 3-6 6-1 and he next faces Alexander Zverev, who continued his good form by seeing off Nicolas Jarry 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3.

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