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Carlos Alcaraz had to work hard against Daniel Evans in Shanghai, prevailing 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and 23 minutes. World no. 2 trailed in both sets before embracing a comeback, struggling on break points but sealing the deal in straight sets.
Carlos described it as one of his most challenging matches outside Majors, praising his opponent and stating they both played at a high level. The Briton gave his best against a two-time Major winner, defending 12 out of 15 break points and leading in both sets.
However, he failed to endure and take at least a set, converting two out of six break points and ending his run in the third round. The Spaniard fired 34 winners and 24 unforced errors, dominating with his forehand. Evans had more service winners, but it was not enough to keep him safe.
They stayed neck and neck in the shortest range up to four strokes, and Alcaraz earned the victory in the mid-range and most advanced exchanges. Daniel survived two break points in the encounter's first game, avoiding an early setback and stepping in on the return at 2-1.
Carlos Alcaraz battled past Daniel Evans in Shanghai.
Carlos sprayed a forehand error and got broken at love to find himself behind. The Briton had to dig deep to cement the lead, facing six break points in the fifth game!
Evans outlasted all the obstacles, holding after almost 20 minutes and opening a 4-1 gap. Alcaraz made a fresh start and pulled the break back in game seven after forcing the rival's mistake. Evans struggled behind the initial shot again in game nine, defending two break points and staying on the positive side.
They served well in the remaining games, introducing a tie break. Carlos defended superbly in the first point and grabbed a mini-break after a forehand crosscourt winner. The young gun moved 3-0 in front with service winners and delivered another mini-break in the fifth point following an incredible defense and the rival's smash error.
Alcaraz opened a 5-1 gap with an ace and created five set points with a booming forehand winner. Carlos landed a backhand return winner on the first, wrapping up the opener after grueling an hour and 27 minutes. They traded breaks in the second set's games three and four before Carlos survived four break points in game five, refusing to chase the result for the second time.
They served well in the next four games, with the Spaniard opening a 5-4 lead after a service winner. The Briton served to stay in the match in game ten and squandered a game point. Alcaraz attacked and forced Evans' lob error for a match point.
Carlos converted it with a backhand down the line winner, celebrating an important win and entering the last 16. "It was a tough match, one of the toughest I have played outside Majors. Facing Daniel is always tricky, and I must produce my best tennis to beat him. We both delivered high-quality tennis, and I'm happy to go through," Carlos Alcaraz said.