Alcaraz stops at Argentina Open semi-finals

Argentina World number two Carlos Alcaraz lost to Nicolas Jarry 6-7(2), 3-6 at the clay event in Buenos Aires, on February 17.

The defeat means Alcaraz has not reached an ATP final since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Cincinnati Masters last August. The Spaniard has failed to win any of his last nine events.

Alcaraz was disappointed after losing a point in the Argentina Open semi-final against Jarry. Photo: ATP — Alcaraz was disappointed after losing a point in the Argentina Open semi-final against Jarry. Photo: *ATP*

Alcaraz had beaten Jarry in their previous two meetings, but failed to take a set in the rematch on February 17. While the Spaniard was not at his best, Jarry attacked impressively. Alcaraz had no break points in the first set, then lost 2-7 in the tie-break - where Jarry used his serve advantage well.

Both players won the opening service games of the second set, before Jarry won the pivotal service game to lead 5-3. With the score at 40-40 in game 9, Alcaraz produced the best play of the match with a lob winner. But it was not enough for the 20-year-old to escape. Jarry took advantage of the second match point to end the match with a 7-6, 6-3 victory.

Alcaraz has not won a tournament since Wimbledon last year. Meanwhile, Jarry will be in the final of the Argentina Open and will face Facundo Diaz Acosta - who had won only four matches on the ATP Tour before this week.

At the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam, Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner extended his winning streak to 14. The number one seed defeated Dutch home player Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals. Sinner will face Alex De Minaur in the championship match today, February 18.

Vy Anh

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