Machac pips Alcaraz, storms into semifinal

No. 2-ranked Carlos Alcaraz's 12-match winning streak was ended by Tomas Machac 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals on Thursday.

It was No. 33 Machac's third tour-level quarterfinal, and the Czech player proved more than a match for the four-time major-winning Spaniard as he earned his second win over a top-five opponent this year in two hours.

Machac will play top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

“I knew that the level of my tennis would be great because I am playing the best right now, for sure,” Machac said. “I beat Tommy Paul (in my) last match with an unbelievable performance. With these types of players, I have to play this level otherwise it's 6-2, 6-3 (and) you go home, there is no other option.

Sinner through to semis

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner advanced to his fifth ATP Masters semifinal of the season as the Italian swept aside fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.