Czech player Tomas Machac notches a 6-3, 6-3 victory to take out World No. 38 Matteo Arnaldi in 80 minutes, breaking new ground in Miami to book his quarterfinal spot at the Miami Open presented By Itau for the first time on Tuesday.
Next, the winner of the clash between Australian Christopher O'Connell and 2023 runner-up Jannik Sinner will square off against Machac.
In that regard, Sports Pundit asked Machac about a possible clash against Sinner in the quarterfinals.
“Let’s see the opponent,” he said. “I just focus on relaxing today, just to chill a bit. Tomorrow is another day at the office.”
Adding: “Hopefully, my game will be better tomorrow.”
Both players hit the court on the Grandstand to play the opening fourth-round match of the event, their career first ATP Masters 1000 Round of 16, following consistent runs in Florida.
The player mentored by Daniel Vacek got the better of the Italian, dominating play to emerge on top, backing up an impressive campaign on debut at the tournament.
The first set opened with a lengthy and balanced game in the first tour-level meeting between the young players.
Nonetheless, Arnaldi’s first double fault would help pave the way for the Czech player to convert his first break point in the fifth game, earning a 3-2 lead, which he would extend with a solid tennis display.
Then, the 23-year-old marched to produce a double break in the ninth game, notching a 6-3 win in 41 minutes.
Machac’s net play was nearly perfect, winning 88 percent of his net approaches, a card he dealt to surprise his opponent.
As the second set wore on, the World No. 60 continued to apply pressure over his adversary, putting to good use his powerful forehand.
A pivotal break in the sixth game would give the Marseille quarterfinalist the edge he needed to go the distance, clinching the set 6-3 and the match in sublime form.
He finished with 14 winners and five unforced errors compared to the Sanremo born 18 to 8, respectively.
Moreover, he won 71 percent of the first serve points and 64 percent with his second delivery.
On Sunday, the Czechia-born overcame former world number one Andy Murray in an epic third-rounder.
Previously, he shocked World No. 6 Andrey Rublev, recording the biggest win of his career.
The triumph against Arnaldi will see him debut at the Top 50 on Monday.