Italian qualifier Luca Nardi provided a stiff challenge to Carlos Alcaraz in their Qatar Open match in Doha on Wednesday, but the world No. 3 found the break in the decider to close the match at 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 for a place in the quarterfinals.
Alcaraz appeared to be in complete control, establishing a one-set lead and a 4-1 advantage in the second set, before Nardi mounted an impressive comeback, claiming five consecutive games to force a deciding set.
Alcaraz broke Nardi in the fourth game of the third set to seize back control decisively.
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Competing for the first time in Doha, Alcaraz will face Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka on Thursday in the last-eight stage. Lehecka dominated Hungary's Fabian Marozsan with a swift 6-4, 6-2 victory in just over 60 minutes.
Australian second seed Alex de Minaur also advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4.
De Minaur displayed excellent court coverage while defeating the Dutch qualifier, successfully defending all four break points. It's his third consecutive quarterfinal appearance this year, after Australian Open and Rotterdam earlier this month, where he lost to Alcaraz in the final.
Currently ranked world number eight and seeking his first title this season, De Minaur's next opponent is Russian Andrey Rublev, who defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4.
The defending champion and fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev secured a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory against Zizou Bergs, whilst British player Jack Draper triumphed in straight sets over Christopher O'Connell.
Felix Auger-Aliassime progressed automatically after Hamad Medjedovic pulled out due to a leg injury.
