Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Italy’s Jannik Sinner during their round of 16 men’s singles tennis match on the seventh day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 3, 2022. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz reached his seventh semifinal of the year on Friday with a straight-sets win over Facundo Bagnis at the Umag clay-court tournament.
The 19-year-old Spaniard raced away with the first eight games of the match before sealing a 6-0, 6-4 win over his 120th-ranked opponent from Argentina.
Having started the week at a career-high of five in the world, Alcaraz will replace Stefanos Tsitsipas at number four should he defeat Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in Saturday’s semifinals.
“It means a lot to be able to reach the number four ranking, to have a chance to do it,” Alcaraz said after Friday’s match.
“It’s amazing for me. I think I’m playing really well. I feel really comfortable playing here, a lot of confidence right now.”
Zeppieri defeated Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles 7-5, 6-4 to make the last four.
Meanwhile, second seed and world number 10 Jannik Sinner reached his first semi-final of 2022 by seeing off Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).
“I’ve won many matches, but I think I’ve had some unfortunate moments this year,” said Italy’s Sinner after his win over 86th-ranked Carballes Baena of Spain.
“But here I am, the first semi-final of the year, and hopefully I can show some good tennis also in the next round.”
The 20-year-old will face 136th-ranked compatriot Franco Agamenone for a place in the final.
Unseeded Agamenone made the last four by beating 2018 champion Marco Cecchinato, also of Italy, 6-2, 6-1.