Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz admitted that the Madrid Open quarterfinal 6-4, 7-5 win against Karen Khachanov was pretty tough. The Spaniard broke the Russian’s serve in the seventh game of the opening set to get himself ahead in the match.

Alcaraz once again impressed with his play in the first set. However, the youngster found himself in trouble as he was trailing by 2-5 in the second set. But Alcaraz went on to win the next five games to seal the match in two sets.

Alcaraz admitted Khachanov had his chances but he was glad to make his way into the semifinal with a win in straight sets.

“It was pretty tough. The first set as well, it was close,” said Alcaraz, who turns 20 on Friday. “I was in trouble in the second set, a breakdown and [he had] two break points to have the second break. So it was really tough for me to come back and he had his chances to win the second set.

“Luckily I knew I was going to have my chances. I just tried to take my opportunities and I’m really happy to get through.”

Alcaraz wrapped up the match in one hour and 51 minutes. The World no.2 revealed he tries to be passive while choosing his shots.

“I talk with myself a lot during the match, telling myself that I have to be passive and not to be in a rush in the point,” said Alcaraz, when asked about the variety in his game. “Of course, a lot of things come to my mind, drop shots and a lot of [other] things, and sometimes it is tough to choose one.”

Carlos Alcaraz will next face Croatia’s Borna Coric on Friday in the semifinal.