Miami Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz cruises into last 16, to face Tommy Paul next

At the Miami Open presented by Itau, Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round by defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6(5) to continue his quest for the “Sunshine Double.”

The World No. 1 has swiftly adjusted to the faster conditions in Miami, where he is the defending champion, after leaving his title chase in Indian Wells. The top seed gave a top-notch performance, overwhelming Lajovic with his persistent aggression on returns and displaying great mobility to cover the court and fend off Serbian attempts.

After failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set against Lajovic, the Spaniard, who smashed 27 winners to Lajovic’s eight, collected himself and won his eighth match in a row in straight sets on his fourth match point in an hour and 31 minutes.

“I feel fast on court; I am moving well,” said Carlos Alcaraz. “I am happy with the variety I am playing [with]—lots of shots. I am enjoying every single second out there,” he added.

Daniil Medvedev advanced to the fourth round in Miami

For the 19-year-old to keep Novak Djokovic from unseating him as the top player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, he must win his fourth ATP Masters 1000 championship in Miami. He will face Tommy Paul to continue defending his title.

Alcaraz is making his third appearance in South Florida and has pleasant recollections from the hard-court competition. In the 2017 final, he overcame Casper Ruud, losing just one set on the way to victory.

Paul defeated Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round in Miami for the first time. The American has had a spectacular season, highlighted by his run to the Australian Open semifinals in January. He is presently ranked No. 18 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings.

As Alex Molcan withdrew from their scheduled third-round match on Monday, world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev advanced to the fourth round in Miami with just three games lost. Roberto Carballes Baena was defeated by Medvedev 6-1, 6-2 in his opening round after receiving a bye in the opening round. Due to a right hip ailment, Molcan withdrew from the competition on Sunday.