I tried to play my game, play aggressively – Carlos Alcaraz after beating Lorenzo Mussetti to advance to quarterfinals of the Miami Open

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz continued his good form as he bested Lorenzo Mussetti by 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Miami Open. The Spaniard said he wanted to play aggressively and he was delighted with his performance.

Alcaraz struck 23 winners and won 63 percent of his second-serve against the Italian. With this win, the Spaniard extended his match-winning streak to 11 matches and improved his record to 3-1 against Mussetti.

“I know that his style is playing from the back with spin. I tried to not let him feel comfortable on the court,” said Alcaraz, who won 18 of his 22 net points. “I tried to play my game, play aggressive with my shots, go to the net, drop shots, my style. I think I did pretty well and I’m really happy with my performance.”

Mussetti was coming up with some clean ball striking but Alcaraz had all the answers to counter him.

Enjoying his red-hot form, Alcaraz said he is feeling great on the court and he is confident about his game.

“I don’t know if this is the best game that I’m playing, but without a doubt it’s the best feeling,” Alcaraz said. “I’m feeling great on the court. I’m moving great, not injured or thinking about the ankle [injury] anymore. I think [this is] the best feeling since last summer.”

On the other hand, Alcaraz will face Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals. The Bulgarian rallied past Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) and he was all praise for his opponent.

“Finally! I knew the last one was missing honestly. It’s been like a kryptonite for me, this tournament,” Dimitrov said. “It was a very tough battle today. Hubi is such an amazing guy. I think above all I was just happy that I could stay in the match and have such a good run. He’s such a tricky competitor, so crafty around the court. I think physically we were both going at each other very hard today. It was a pleasant match honestly to play.”