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World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his title at the Argentina Open, is just two wins away from his second title in as many weeks, reaching the semifinals of the Rio Open. Taking on Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals in Brazil on Friday, the top seed pulled off a 6-4, 7-6 (0) win to book his spot in the last four.
Speaking to the press afterwards, Alcaraz revealed that he is happy with the level of tennis he is playing at the moment, even if it is slightly below what it was before his injury lay-off at the end of last year.
After winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, he rose to World No. 1, becoming the first teenager in ATP history to occupy the top spot in the world rankings. He ended the year with five titles (Rio, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid being the other four), finishing as the year-end No. 1.
Despite the room for improvement, Alcaraz did not have any complaints, adding that his current level is "high" enough to keep him competitive against most players.
"I think I'm playing at a high level. I don't know if compared to last year but I'm happy with the level I'm showing. These are different times. Last year I was at a great level, which I showed by winning Rio, winning Miami, winning certain tournaments," Carlos Alcaraz said.
"I think the level I have now can obviously be improved, but I'm very happy with the level I'm playing with."
The reigning US Open champion was happy with his problem-solving abilities, which he reckoned played a major part in taking him into the semifinals in Rio.
He also admitted that the matches he has played over the last fortnight, while physically demanding, have helped him come to terms with the tour sooner rather than later.
"But right now I'm at a very good level physically and I'm playing very tough and demanding matches day after day and that keeps me very happy after so much time away from the circuit," Alcaraz said.
"I think we have shown a high level physically and mentally, as well as in blows. I am very happy to have been able to solve the problems and to advance to the round in Rio."
Carlos Alcaraz takes on Nicolas Jarry in the semifinals of Rio Open
Following his win over Dusan Lajovic, Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with Nicolas Jarry in the semifinals of the 2023 Rio Open. The Chilean upset sixth seed Sebastian Baez in straight sets in the quarterfinals to book a meeting with the 19-year-old.
The duo have never faced off on tour before and will meet for the first time on Saturday. The winner of the clash will then take on either Cameron Norrie or Bernabe Zapata Miralles in Sunday's final.
