Top 5 Photos 3/18: Karatsev keeps on winning in Dubai

The semifinals are set and just a handful of players remain unscathed in Dubai. As the matchups dwindle, the heat of the action continues to rise.

These are the Top 5 photos that sum up Thursday's action. (All photos Getty).

1

Aslan Karatsev

Can anyone believe just 12 tournaments ago, Karatsev was ranked No. 253? The Russian came out of nowhere by running through qualifying and into the Australian Open's semifinals. He now holds a 13-0 record this season against players not named Novak Djokovic or Dominic Thiem. Karatsev defeated Dubai's No. 16 seed Jannik Sinner, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2, to reach the last four.

2

Llyod Harris

The South African is having a great couple of weeks in the Middle East. Harris took out tour veteran Kei Nishikori, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, to set up a semifinal clash against Denis Shapovalov. Last week in Doha, Harris captured an upset victory over three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka to reach the event's last 16.

3

Denis Shapovalov

The Canadian didn't give much up to Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Shapovalov secured the 12th semifinal showing of his career with a 7-5, 6-4 score over the 34-year-old seasoned player. Shapovalov will square off with Harris next.

4

Andrey Rublev

The Russian is through to his third consecutive semifinal appearance and grabbed his 23rd consecutive ATP 500-level match. The No. 2 seed took out Marton Fucsovics, 7-5, 6-2, to reach the last four in Dubai for the first time. He will take on countryman Aslan Karatsev—both players are arguably the most in form competitors this season.

5

Kei Nishikori

Although the veteran went out in three sets to Harris, his form is something to be noted as the season goes on. Nishikori has now reached the quarterfinal round in two events this year and his run this week marks his first last eight showing at the 500-level event.