World number two Carlos Alcaraz battled past Andrey Rublev 6-3 4-6 7-5 to reach the Cincinnati Open semi-finals.
The Spaniard took control with the first set, but his Russian opponent produced an excellent fightback to level.
World number 11 Rublev’s quality faltered, though, in the tense and decisive third set as he committed two double faults, including one on match point.
“I maintained positive thoughts all the time, even though I lost focus a few times during the second set,” said Alcaraz.
“Playing someone like Andrey, when you lose focus on two or three points, it [can] cost you the set or almost the match. I just stayed strong mentally and that’s what I’m most proud of.”
