Carlos Alcaraz is safely through into the last eight in Rotterdam. World no. 3 played against Italy's Andrea Vavassori in the second round and scored a 6-2, 6-1 victory in 63 minutes and remained on the title course.
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The Spaniard served at 72% and lost seven points behind the initial shot. Carlos saved the only break point and mounted the pressure on his opponent. Andrea could not impose his shots despite hitting 17 service winners.
The Italian hit nine winners and 27 unforced errors, spraying too many mistakes and struggling from the baseline. Vavassori rushed to the net 19 times but could not cover it properly, with Alcaraz passing him and controlling the scoreboard.
The four-time Major winner grabbed 54% of the return points and converted three of eight break points en route to a rock-solid victory. Andrea missed a forehand in the first game of the encounter and suffered a break.
Alcaraz claimed an incredible point in the second game and landed a backhand winner for a hold at love and 2-0. Vavassori denied a break point in the third game and held after deuces to reduce the deficit. The Italian created his only break chance in game four.
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Carlos saved it with a service winner and held for 3-1. Andrea denied two more break points in the fifth game, struggling but remaining within one break deficit. The Spaniard fired a service winner in the sixth game, moving 4-2 up and making another push on the return in the next one.
Vavassori hit a double fault in the seventh game, suffering a break and falling 5-2 behind. Alcaraz served for the set in game eight and claimed an extended rally for 6-2 and a boost. World no. 3 was the only player on the court in the second set.
Carlos cracked a forehand crosscourt winner in the second game for 1-1. He landed a volley winner in the third game for a break point and landed a lob winner for a break and a 2-1 lead. The Spaniard held at love in the fourth game with a forced error and cemented the break.
Andrea hit a double fault in the fifth game, losing serve and falling 4-1 behind. Alcaraz clinched the sixth game with a service winner and moved closer to the finish line. World no. 3 made another push on the return at 5-1 and earned match points with a backhand winner.
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Carlos converted the first after the rival's mistake, sealing the deal in no time and reaching the last eight.
