Alcaraz ends Purcell’s dream Cincinnati run

World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz ended Australian qualifier Max Purcell’s dream run with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win to reach the Cincinnati Open semifinals, while Novak Djokovic demolished top American Taylor Fritz 6-0 6-4.

The 70th-ranked Purcell has produced some of the best tennis of his career recently and at the US Open tune-up event, he took down French Open finalist Casper Ruud and three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland.

But Alcaraz’s superb form was too much to overcome as the twice Grand Slam winner kept his cool after a frustrating opening set, unleashing 30 winners in the match on Centre Court.