Carlos Alcaraz says for half the matches of the tennis season, players “don’t feel that good” as the Spaniard secured a tour-leading 50th victory of 2025 at the Cincinnati Open.
The 22-year-old cruised past Serbian Hamad Medjedovic in straight sets 6-4 6-4 in the third round to also claim his 13th consecutive Masters 1000 win.
Alcaraz is the first player since 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, from 2013 to 2016, to reach 50 wins in four consecutive seasons.
The world number two will face Italian Luca Nardi in the fourth round on Wednesday.
“You have to think positive and just play your best tennis possible that day,” said the five-time Grand Slam winner.
“I’m really happy that in really difficult matches I’m able to play my best tennis even though I’m not feeling the right way.
“I’m just happy and proud about it because it’s something I’m working on.”
Lucky loser Nardi, 22, led 16th seed Jakub Mensik 6-2 2-1 when the Czech retired from their third-round match.