Carlos Alcaraz Opens up About His Physical Struggles During His Win over Karen Khachanov in Rome
Carlos Alcaraz beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals for the first time in his career.
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Carlos Alcaraz (via X/Carlos Alcaraz Daily)
Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals of the Italian Open after edging past Karen Khachanov in three sets. The Spaniard struggled during the match and looked tired in the deciding set, but pulled through in the end. He shared an update on his physical condition after the fourth-round match.
Alcaraz had to battle hard against Khachanov after winning the first set easily 6-3. However, he began to drop in his focus in the second set, which led his Russian opponent back into the match. However, in the deciding set, he had to suffer on several occasions in the match as he made it easier for Khachanov to earn match points.
He led 5-3 at one point in the third set and was serving for the match, but a couple of unforced errors saw Khachanov level 5-5, forcing the game to a tiebreak. Alcaraz was resilient enough in the match to claim a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win over the Russian star in two hours and 28 minutes. It was the first time the Spaniard dropped a set in Rome this season, but he extended his head-to-head record against Khachanov to 5-0 on tour.
Nonetheless, Alcaraz was in serious doubt about playing the Italian Open before the event commenced. He was forced to pull out of the Madrid Masters due to an adductor muscle injury he sustained in the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune. He worked hard to compete in Rome but has been wearing a black brace on his upper right leg during his matches.
After the win against Khachanov, he revealed that he struggled in the match because he was tired, despite not feeling any pain while playing. He added he was proud that he gave his best to win the tie.
It feels amazing to get the win at the end against a really tough Karen Khachanov. Physically, I was struggling a bit. I didn’t have any pain in any part of the body. But it was just tiring. It was tiring. The match was really tough. I had to run a lot. Really proud of the way I fought for every ball. There was a break-up in the 2nd set. From that to the end of the 2nd set, I probably lost focus a bit. He started playing great. Just really happy to forget it and try to come into the 3rd set as well as I can. I think I did pretty well. I just fought. I’m happy about that.
Carlos Alcaraz said via Rome Press
Alcaraz, reaching the quarter-finals of the Italian Open, has now reached the quarterfinals or better of every Masters 1000 event. The Spaniard has just lost only one match on clay this season and has been to two finals already.
Carlos Alcaraz sends a serious warning to Jack Draper ahead of their quarter-final tie in Rome
Carlos Alcaraz is set for a fiery showdown against Jack Draper at the Italian Open quarter-finals. The duo met this season at Indian Wells with Draper defeating the 22-year-old in three sets to reach his first Masters 1000 final. However, Alcaraz holds a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head record. Ahead of the tie, Alcaraz revealed that he’s ready to get his revenge on the British star.
I’m prepared, looking forward to playing against him. He is one of the best players in the world right now. The recent results show how well he’s been playing. I want to take revenge from Indian Wells. I’ll try to be better prepared than back then. It’s going to be an interesting match to watch and play. He’s very solid, very passionate. In every point, his shots are powerful, really aggressive. He tries to play as aggressively as he can, making him a very tough opponent. Every point is a battle. He has improved a lot physically.
Carlos Alcaraz said
Alcaraz has lost his last two meetings against Draper and will hope to snap the losing streak in the quarter-finals. The Spaniard has been playing incredible tennis on clay this season, but will need to be at his best to beat the World No.5.
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