Machac causes Shanghai shocker by defeating Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz's 12-match winning streak has been ended by Czech Tomas Machac in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals.

In just his third tour-level quarter-final, world No.33 Machac provided the sensation of the tournament so far with his two-hour 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 win, his second victory over a top-five opponent this year.

Next, Machac will play world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals after the Italian swept aside Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

"I knew that the level of my tennis would be great because I am playing the best right now, for sure," Machac said of his win.

"I beat Tommy Paul last match with an unbelievable performance. With these types of players, I have to play this level otherwise it's 6-2 6-3 and you go home, there is no other option.

Alcaraz, who won the China Open in a thriller against Sinner last week, learned of Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement shortly before going on court but said the news about his idol hadn't affected his match.

"It is a really difficult thing, really difficult news for everybody, and even tougher for me," Alcaraz said.

"He has been my idol since I start playing tennis. I look up to him. Proudly, thanks to him, I really wanted to become a professional tennis player. Losing him, in a certain way, is going to be difficult for us, so I will try to enjoy as much as I can when he's going to play.

"But we are going to play in Saudi Arabia, and then Davis Cup, so I'm going to try to enjoy as much as I can the time with him. But, yeah, it is a shame for tennis and for me."

Sinner advanced to his fifth ATP Masters semi of the season, starting strongly and only facing one break point in his 6-1 6-4 masterclass over Medvedev, who needed treatment on his shoulder from the physio during the second set.

"I'm very happy how I handled today and this match," Sinner said.

"It felt like he had a bit of shoulder pain and couldn't hit his forehand as well as he wished to. Hopefully, he can recover as fast as possible, but from my side it was a great match, a great battle, and let's see what I can do now in the semifinals."

With Thursday's win, the two-time major winner has levelled his head-to-head series against Medvedev at 7-7, but has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Russian."

With Thursday's win, the two-time major winner has levelled his head-to-head series against Medvedev at 7-7, but has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Russian.