Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant run as he defeated America’s Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 in the round of 16 of the ongoing Miami Open to keep his Sunshine double quest intact. The Spaniard broke the American’s serve in the fifth game of the opening set to put himself in front.

But, the youngster faced a nervy moment when Paul had a breakpoint at 4-5 on Alcaraz’s serve. However, the 19-year-old was able to save it and wrapped up the opening set in 49 minutes with a perfect drop shot.

Alcaraz then broke Paul’s serve in the third game of the second set. Subsequently, the youngster held his serve and finished the game in one hour and 36 minutes with a brilliant backhand.

Alcaraz admitted he feels at home while playing at the Hard Rock Stadium as he receives a lot of backing from the crowd.

“I feel at home here. It is easy to play here in Miami with all the energy I receive every day,” Alcaraz said. “I am enjoying myself and I think that is the key to playing at such a high level every match. I hope to keep going.”

The Spaniard will face another American, Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals and he is hopeful of carrying his form.

“I played a really great match and I hope to play the same level in the quarter-final,” Alcaraz said. “I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to get through.”

Alcaraz will look to defend his title at the Miami Open and this was his ninth consecutive win as he had earlier won Indian Wells. The World No.1 will face Taylor Fritz on Thursday.