Carlos Alcaraz shares thoughts after surviving Filip Krajinovic challenge in Hamburg

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Carlos Alcaraz said Filip Krajinovic was an extremely difficult opponent to handle and he was glad with the performance he delivered in their Hamburg last-16 match. On Thursday, Alcaraz was made to work hard by Krajinovic, but managed to beat the 43rd-ranked Serb in straight sets 7-6 (4) 6-3.

"I had to play one of my best matches on Tour. I'm really happy with my performance," Alcaraz said after the win, per the ATP website. "It was pretty tough. Filip was playing unbelievable. He played really well from the beginning until the end."

Alcaraz saved multiple set points in the first set

Krajinovic got off to a good start to the match, breaking Alcaraz in the fifth game to open a 3-2 lead.

In the 10th game - when Krajinovic was serving for the first set - Alcaraz saved four set points and managed to break back the Serb and tie the set to five games apiece. After blowing four set points, Krajinovic missed out on a break point in the 11th game as Alcaraz managed to hold on to his serve and take a 6-5 lead.

After losing three consecutive games, Krajinovic was able to serve out the 12th game and send the first set into a tie-break. In the tie-break, Krajinovic opened a 4-2 lead, before Alcaraz stormed back to win the next five set points and win a tight opener.

Then, Alcaraz claimed two early breaks at the start of the second set to open a comfortable 4-1 lead. Krajinovic got one break back in the sixth game, but lost his serve once again in the ninth game - when he was serving to stay in the match.

Alcaraz plays next Karen Khachanov, the Russian he defeated at the French Open two months ago. "I know that Karen's playing well," Alcaraz said. "He has a great level, big serve, so it's going to be a tough match. But I think with the performance today, I have the confidence to have a good match in the quarter-finals."