Carlos Alcaraz storms into Monte Carlo semis with dominant win and 300th ATP victory

The world No 1 thrashed Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-0 in just over an hour in their quarter-final clash, reeling off 10 consecutive games after briefly trailing 3-2 in the opening set.

Alcaraz had initially taken control by winning the first two games, but Bublik responded strongly to edge ahead after saving four break points. That proved short-lived, however, as the Spaniard surged through the remainder of the match in emphatic fashion in their first career meeting.

The win marked Alcaraz's 300th victory on the ATP Tour, making him the third-fastest player in the Open Era to reach the milestone. He has lost just 67 matches to get there - fewer than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the same stage - with only Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors achieving the feat in fewer matches.

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz reflected on a performance that grew stronger as it progressed.

"Well, first of all, I think I did start pretty well, I just had points to be two breaks up in the first set, I didn't make it. And then all of a sudden I lost a little bit the feeling of the ball," said Alcaraz.

"But yeah, after that, I think he just pulled off great shots, great games, I had to run side to side a lot, try to defend my best and I think I just saved a few games that gave me a lot of confidence coming into the match again.

"And then playing aggressive, I would say I played a great and a solid match against him - that is probably a player that you don't know what's gonna be next. Just happy to get through and playing another semi-final here."

He also acknowledged the significance of reaching 300 tour wins.

"Obviously I'm really happy about my 300th win in the ATP Tour, and hopefully many more to come," Alcaraz said.

The Spaniard is chasing a second successive Monte Carlo title, having claimed his maiden crown in the Principality last year.

Alcaraz will face home favourite Valentin Vacherot in Saturday's semi-finals after the Monegasque continued his impressive run with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Alex de Minaur.

Vacherot dispatched world No 6 de Minaur in two hours and 24 minutes to become the first home player to reach the quarter-finals of the prestigious clay-court event.

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