Carlos Alcaraz has reached the quarterfinals of the Tokyo tournament after defeating Matteo Arnaldi in two sets, a result that has pushed his name to the top of what Americans are searching for online today.
The Spanish player took the first set 7-6(6) and then dominated the second, winning 6-1 in a match that ran about 1 hour and 46 minutes. His performance overcame a difficult start, during which he faced four set points and had to fight back from behind.
The Fight Back
Arnaldi, the Italian, played a near-perfect first set. But once the momentum shifted, Alcaraz chased him down relentlessly. The Spanish player reacted, accelerated, and struck back.
Arnaldi finally collapsed at the end of the match. The win sends Alcaraz into the quarterfinals, where he will face Denis Shapovalov on Sunday, with the match starting no earlier than 6:00 on Movistar+.
Why This Match Matters Now
Alcaraz’s ability to perform under pressure is well known. He tends to produce his best tennis when the situation demands it most. Against Arnaldi, that pattern held again.
The Italian’s collapse was sudden and complete. The difference between the two sets was stark: the first lasted 1 hour and 14 minutes, while the second finished in just 32 minutes. Arnaldi was broken mentally by the end.
The Quarterfinal Lineup
Shapovalov beat Alejandro Tabilo 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. The Canadian, ranked 46th, has struggled in recent tournaments, losing in the second round at Roland Garros 2023 and Indian Wells 2025.
Jaume Munar will meet Kyrian Jacquet (86th) in the other quarterfinal on Monday at 4:00 on Movistar+. If both advance, they will play each other in the semifinals. The title was won by Alcaraz last year.
On the other side of the draw, the quarterfinals will feature Fils-Vacherot versus Lehecka-Vallejo. Novak Djokovic will also compete, but in Beijing, where he faces Sascha Zverev in a match expected to start around 1:00 p.m. on Movistar+.
What Happened to the Other Players
Paula Badosa, ranked 59th, lost to Jelena Ostapenko 7-6(5) and 7-5 in 1 hour and 48 minutes. Badosa could have closed both sets at 5-3 ahead, but Ostapenko turned the match twice. She will return to Wuhan soon, without defending any points through the end of the year.
The biggest upset of the day belonged to the world’s top-ranked player, Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh, 27, lost to Alina Charaeva, the 118th-ranked Russian, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The defeat will have little effect on her ranking, since she only advanced one round further a year ago.
Alcaraz’s Record Against Italians
Alcaraz has dominated Italian players in recent years. Of his last 26 matches against them, he has won 23. Only Sinner has beaten him in that stretch.
Arnaldi, 25 and ranked 37th, was playing the match of his life until the shift occurred. Alcaraz’s recovery from four set points was complete.
The report comes from EL PAÍS, which cited Google Trends data showing “carlos alcaraz” as one of the top rising searches in the United States today.
Alcaraz’s next test will be Shapovalov on Sunday. The Canadian has shown creativity and skill in the past, but he has also fallen short in big moments.
For now, Alcaraz moves forward with the quarterfinals ahead of him. The stage is set for what promises to be a memorable weekend in Tokyo.
Source material: “Alcaraz empuña el martillo mental hacia los cuartos de Tokio: Arnaldi, el último castigado,” elpais.com.
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