𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Two fine passing shots in the game, first Carlos Alcaraz whacking one down the line from his forehand wing to beat a well-set Ben Shelton, and then the American’s cross-backhand too good for the defending champion.

Deuce. A first real Alcaraz drop shot is perfectly played, though he can’t find the point he needs. At the second attempt, however, he’s there, Shelton bashing a forehand too low.

Nothing to fret or fuss about in Ben Shelton’s next service game – or indeed the match so far five games in.

An elegant error from Carlos Alcaraz, sliding with real grace into a backhand volley yet planting it into the net. It’s the only point Ben Shelton wins with Alcaraz into his work smoothly and speedily.

Nifty work at the net from Ben Shelton, reading Carlos Alcaraz’s mind to dart to the right and flick a volley past the Spaniard.

Ben Shelton lines up an ambitious forehand return to a Carlos Alcaraz second serve that is about two inches away from being one of the shots of the tournament – but ends up as an unforced error. Some serious venom into that one, though. Alcaraz holds to love.

There’s a bit of extra strapping on the ankle of Ben Shelton as he continues to battle a slight injury, but he’s moving smoothly enough in the opening game, which he takes in relative comfort.

Out on court are Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton. Can the American leftie get near the defending champion? He might need Alcaraz to switch off in the manner in which he did on Friday.

Shelton will serve first.

“It was tough. The first set, I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner! I needed to do something to get back into the game. With her playing like that, I didn’t have a lot of hope, but I just kept fighting, and in the end I was able to play my game. I am so happy.

“I didn’t feel like she gave me any space. She was playing right by the lines at a really great level. I’m happy that when I had opportunities, I was patient enough to stay in the game and focussed. I don’t think I’ve ever double faulted three times in one game before! We both played pretty amazing. It’s tough to play her, so it gives me a lot that I won this match and I’m through.

“[Quarter-final opponent] Elina [Svitolina] is a great fighter and plays every point like it is life or death. It’s going to be a challenge. I’ll focus on myself and be ready.”

Decisive, dynamic, destructive – a superb way to seal it from Iga Swiatek! From where she was in the first set, looking totally unable to combat the weapons that Elena Rybakina had in her possession, that is some win, and another real reminder of her champion qualities.

Fair play to Rybakina, who threw all she had at the Queen of Clay – but for now at least, Swiatek remains right on her throne. 1-6 6-3 7-5

Oh dear! A dreadful drop shot, ill-conceived and perhaps even more poorly executed, from Elena Rybakina gives Iga Swiatek a simple winner which is duly gobbled up. Two break points.

And a flapped forehand into the net leaves her just a game away.