Carlos Alcaraz already has enough milestones to make a storied Hall of Fame career. But one thing he does not have is an indoor title.



The Spaniard took another step in the direction of remedying that deficiency on Friday as he powered past compatriot Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-1 to reach the semifinals of his ABN Amro debut in Rotterdam.

21-year-old Alcaraz reaches his 33rd tour semifinal and his fourth indoors. He will face either Hubert Hurkacz or Andrey Rublev in the final four on Saturday.

Alcaraz, who has dropped just six games combined across his last two matches in Rotterdam, came away pleased with his steady improvement this week.



"I played really good tennis today, a really high level. And I have done the right things again," Alcaraz said. "I tried to put everything in today. Being aggressive, pushing him to the limit every point. I think I did the perfect match and I am happy to keep improving every day. Hopefully in the semi-finals I will be even better."

Alcaraz scorched 29 winners against 17 unforced errors – including 15 off the forehand side – and he never faced a break point as he converted five breaks of his own in the 71-minute lashing.

The Spaniard leaves now doubt as to who is the best Spanish male player now that Rafael Nadal has retired. He has won 12 in a row against his compatriots. He improves to 7-1 on the season overall, with his only loss coming to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.