Barcelona Open 2022 LIVE: Carlos Alcaraz beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in thriller, storms into semifinals- check out

Alcaraz’s 21st match win of 2022 could have been wrapped up in straight sets when he led 4-1 in the second set. However, he recovered and swept through the decider to set up a semi-final showdown against Australia’s Alex De Minaur as he looks to take another step closer to a third title of the year after Rio and the Miami Masters.

Friday’s victory was his third in three meetings against Greek star Tsitsipas. In all 12 matches took place Friday after only two were possible on Thursday as heavy rain drenched the city. De Minaur saw off British fourth seed Cameron Norrie 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 in his quarter-final.

Earlier in the day, Norrie had needed an exhausting three and a half hours to defeat Marton Fucsovics 7-5, 6-7 (9/11), 6-4 in his delayed third round clash. By contrast, De Minaur booked his quarter-final place when South Africa’s Lloyd Harris retited after dropping the first set 6-0.

Pablo Carreno Busta and Diego Schwartzman will meet in the other semi-final after also pulling double duty on Friday.

Carreno Busta saved three match points in the second set against second-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway and then overcame an early break in the decider to survive 4-6, 7-6 (8/10), 6-3, after three hours.