Carlos Alcaraz became the first ATP player this season to reach 50 match wins as he eased into the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open with a straight-sets victory over Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, ranked world number two, secured a 6-4 6-4 win in sweltering conditions, extending his Masters 1000 winning streak to 13 matches and adding to what has already been a stellar 2025 campaign.
Alcaraz is now the first player since Novak Djokovic (2013–2016) to record 50 or more wins in four consecutive seasons. “For half the matches of the season, we don’t feel that good,” said the five-time Grand Slam champion. “You have to think positive and just play your best tennis possible that day.”
“I’m really happy that in difficult matches I’m able to play my best tennis even though I’m not feeling the right way. I’m just happy and proud about it because it’s something I’m working on.”
Alcaraz, who has already won the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters this year, will face Italy’s Luca Nardi in the fourth round on Wednesday. Nardi, a lucky loser, progressed after 16th seed Jakub Mensik retired from their match while trailing 6-2 2-1.
In the match against Medjedovic, the first set remained tight until Alcaraz broke for 4-3 and then held on to seal it. Medjedovic, also 22, required physio treatment for neck pain and missed a crucial chance to break early in the second set when two drop shots found the net. Alcaraz capitalised, breaking for 4-3 before closing out the win.
The Cincinnati heat, with temperatures regularly above 30°C, has caused issues for several players. Francisco Comesana and Reilly Opelka both required medical attention during their third-round match. Comesana was physically sick during a second-set changeover and needed a ball girl’s help before eventually winning 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-5, saving three match points. Opelka, meanwhile, complained of dizziness and high blood pressure after being broken late in the deciding set.
Elsewhere, defending champion and second seed Coco Gauff progressed to the last 16 without playing, as Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska withdrew due to illness. Gauff will next face Lucia Bronzetti of Italy.
Heavy rain and lightning suspended the evening session at 21:03 local time. Third seed Alexander Zverev was leading American Brandon Nakashima 6-4 5-4 and about to serve for the match when play was halted. Fourth seed Jessica Pegula had levelled her match with Magda Linette at one set all before the interruption.