CARLOS ALCARAZ’S 12-match winning streak was brought to an abrupt and unexpected halt at the Shanghai Masters as the third-seeded Spaniard lost in straight sets to Czech Tomas Machac today.

Alcaraz, who helped Europe win the Laver Cup last month before going all the way in the China Open at the weekend as he defeated Jannik Sinner in the final, lost 7-6 (5) 7-5 in one hour and 55 minutes.

Machac, the 30th seed, is guaranteed his best result at Masters 1000 level after progressing to the semi-final, where he will meet world number one Sinner, who brushed aside Daniil Medvedev 6-1 6-4.