Alcaraz entertains to reach Paris Olympics QFs

Carlos Alcaraz produced another dominant display at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday when he dispatched Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-2 to set a quarter-final clash with American Tommy Paul.

The second seed, wearing the Spanish colours of red and yellow, produced a trademark electrifying performance on Court Suzanne Lenglen to draw gasps from the packed crowd.

Backed by vocal Spanish support, Alcaraz hit 21 winners, several deft drop shots and looked comfortable on the Parisian clay to advance after 90 minutes. The 21-year-old has fond memories in Paris, having won his maiden Roland Garros title in June.

The Spaniard will next play Paul after the American defeated Frenchman Corentin Moutet 7-6(6), 6-3. Alcaraz leads Paul 3-2 in the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series, having defeated the 27-year-old en route to the Wimbledon title earlier this month.

Before Alcaraz takes on Paul he will team with countryman Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the doubles event on Wednesday evening. Alcaraz and Nadal won their opening match in straight sets before they clawed past Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in a Match Tie-break.

Alcaraz is a four-time major champion and has won five ATP Masters 1000 titles. The No. 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is making his Olympic debut and will be eager to add a gold medal in singles and doubles to his ever-growing trophy haul.

Italian Lorenzo Musetti, a finalist last week in Umag, overcame American Taylor Fritz 7-5, 6-4. Musetti hit 15 winners to earn victory after 84 minutes.