Alcaraz beats Paul to set up Medvedev semi-final in Vienna

Carlos Alcaraz reached the Vienna tournament semi-finals with a straight-set victory over American Tommy Paul, winning 6-4 7-6 (2) to set up a highly anticipated meeting with Russian Daniil Medvedev.

The result took Alcaraz into the 50th semi-final of his professional career after a contest featuring several powerful rallies and moments of high-quality tennis.

The Spaniard did not immediately find his usual rhythm and was tested by Paul, particularly during spells when his concentration dipped and he made uncharacteristic errors. Those lapses gave the American opportunities to put pressure on him and threaten a comeback, but Alcaraz recovered his composure to take the opening set 6-4.

The second set was closely fought, with neither player able to establish a decisive advantage. It was eventually settled by a tie-break, where Alcaraz raised his level and took control to win 7-2. That secured his place in the last four without the need for a deciding set.

Alcaraz will now face Medvedev for a place in the final. The Russian arrived in Vienna with confidence after winning the Almaty tournament and has since progressed through several demanding matches at the event.

The semi-final carries particular significance for Alcaraz, who has not beaten Medvedev since defeating him in the last four of the Beijing tournament in 2024. Their most recent meeting came at Indian Wells, where Medvedev claimed victory.

Alcaraz will therefore be aiming to continue his strong performances in the Austrian capital while ending Medvedev’s recent advantage in their meetings. A victory would send him into the final and restore his winning record against the Russian.