Carlos Alcaraz continued his serene progress through the Rotterdam Open draw, beating fellow Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-2 6-1 in Friday's quarter-final match.

Following a scare in the opening round against Botic van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz was untroubled in a 6-2 6-1 victory over Andrea Vavassori in the last 16.

He triumphed by the same scoreline again on Friday, dragging his compatriot from side to side in a contest that lasted just 71 minutes.

The four-time grand slam champion broke in the opening game of each set and did not allow Martinez to force a single break point.

"I played really good tennis today, a really high level. I have done the right things again," Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. 

"I was really focused before the match, on my own tennis. I tried to put everything in today. 

"Being aggressive, pushing him to the limit on 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 will face either Hubert Hurkacz or 2021 Rotterdam champion Andrey Rublev for a spot in the final on Saturday.

Eyes firmly on the prize @carlosalcaraz is going to take some stopping in Rotterdam! @abnamroopen | #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/z4ayfOzP0S

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 7, 2025

Data Debrief: The king of Spain

Alcaraz tends to enjoy facing his compatriots. He has won his last 12 matches in a row against fellow Spanish players.

That feat has only previously been accomplished by three men– Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2004, Rafael Nadal in 2009 and Pablo Carreno Busta in 2020.