Alcaraz continues breakthrough season with Western & Southern Open qualification

Carlos Alcaraz has booked his spot through a difficult Western & Southern Open qualifying draw to continue his breakthrough season.

Alcaraz cruised through past Belarusian ace Ilya Ivashka 6-3, 6-4 in the final qualifying round after previously easing past Thiago Monteiro.

He has risen to a career high No.54 in the world ranking this year after winning his first tour level title in Umag in July and broke Ivashka four times to advance.

He will be joined by Kevin Anderson in the main draw after the former World No.5 saw off Steve Johnson 7-6(3), 6-4 in one hour and 40 minutes.