Alcaraz cruises past Nardi to clinch quarterfinal seat in Cincinnati Masters

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Luca Nardi, 6-1, 6-4, to secure a quarterfinal berth in the Cincinnati Masters on Aug. 14, 2025, at the Linder Family Tennis Center in Ohio.

After back-to-back slow starts in the first two rounds, Alcaraz found his rhythm in the Round of 16, using a dominant first set as the foundation for a straight-sets victory.

The 22-year-old Spaniard opened with 13 consecutive points, showcasing precise shot-making and solid baseline defense.

It was his best start of the tournament and a sharp contrast to earlier matches, when unforced errors allowed Hamad Medjedovic and Damir Dzumhur to extend rallies and delay finishes.

Alcaraz surged to a 4-1 lead behind down-the-line forehands and overhead smashes when closing in at the net.

Even when Nardi targeted his backhand, the five-time Grand Slam champion adjusted quickly, countering with forehand pickups off his right shoulder.

Nardi’s return game faltered, with topspin groundstrokes dipping into the net under the pressure of Alcaraz’s slicing.

The Italian briefly threatened in the second set with a break point, but Alcaraz broke back immediately.

A 15-shot rally thrilled the crowd during a crucial service hold by Alcaraz before Nardi netted a lob attempt, ending the match.

Alcaraz will face Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals after a day’s rest.