After saving four set points in the tiebreak, Alcaraz dominated the second set. He went 5-0, losing just six points along the way, only one of which was on his serve. Arnoldi got on the board 5-1, but Alcaraz saved two break points in the next game to close it out 6-1.
The Spaniard now leads Arnaldi 3-0 after wins 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 at the 2023 US Open and 6-7 (5), 6-0, 6-1 at Indian Wells in 2024. Since 2022, he has not lost a single match to an Italian, except Yannick Sinner.
Alcaraz defeated the American Alex Michelsen in the first round with a score of 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1. Arnoldi, ranked 37th and a semifinalist at this year’s Roland Garros, advanced 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 over Japanese wild card Rei Sakamoto. He remains winless against a Top 3 player.
Alcaraz, making his 59th quarterfinal appearance and sixth of the season, will next face Canadian Denis Shapovalov.
Tokyo ATP 500, Round 16
J. Alcaraz (1) d. M. Arnaldi 7-6 (6), 6-1
D. Shapovalov d. A. Tables 7-5, 3-6, 6-4
J. Munar (Q) d. J. Faria (LL) 6-1, 6-1
K. Jacquet (SE) d. L. Darder 6-3, 7-6 (5)
U. Humbert vs J. Lehecka – Saturday October 3
M. Berrettini vs A. Vallejo (Q) – Saturday October 3
V. Vacherot (8) d. S. Tsitsipas (Q) 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4
A. Son (Q) d. F. Tiafoe (2) 6-3, 7-5