Carlos Alcaraz survives rough third set to reach Cincinnati Open semis

Alcaraz outlasts Rublev in gritty three-setter to reach Cincinnati semis

Carlos Alcaraz bent but didn’t break in a roller-coaster finish, defeating Andrey Rublev 6–3, 4–6, 7–5 to book a Cincinnati Open semifinal on Friday in Mason, Ohio. The No. 2 seed leaked 15 unforced errors and three double faults in the deciding set and even coughed up a 5–3 lead, yet steadied himself to hold at 5–5 and snag a fourth—and final—break to close it out. If you’re sizing up the hard-court swing, brush up on 5 important tips for betting on tennis to spot value in volatile third sets like this one.

The last act was as nervy as it sounds. Rublev clawed back but unraveled with five double faults and 17 unforced errors in the third set alone—including a double fault on match point—handing Alcaraz his 15th straight victory at ATP Masters 1000 events. “I maintained positive thoughts all the time,” Alcaraz said. “Against someone like Andrey, a few points can cost you the set—or the match.” With New York looming, bettors eyeing form and fatigue heading into Flushing Meadows might also like our U.S. Open tennis betting tips.