Carlos Alcaraz creates a unique record matching Rafael Nadal as he breaks into TOP 10
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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz continues his rise up the rankings with a stunning victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Barcelona. In Spain, Alcaraz is seen as the successor apparent to Rafael Nadal’s throne, and his enormous talent was on display earlier this year when he won the Rio Open and the Miami Open, the latter a Masters 1000 event. The 18-year-old appears at ease on a variety of surfaces, but he appears to be particularly well suited to European clay, as evidenced by his 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz will break into the top ten for the first time next week as a result of his quarterfinal victory, putting him in position for a third title of the season. It also means Alcaraz will make his ATP top ten debut next week, at the same age as Rafael Nadal, on the same day as Nadal, and following the same tournament as Nadal did in 2005.
Carlos Alcaraz thrived from a set down to claim the victory
In the opening set, both players held service until 4-4, with no breakpoints. At 0-40 in the ninth game, Carlos Alcaraz saved three break opportunities and won the set with a drop shot before serving the first set at love after 36 minutes. In the first set, the Spaniard dropped only four points on serve and claimed 12 of the last 13 points.
In the third game of the second set, Carlos Alcaraz broke serve with a backhand return winner. In the fourth game, he consolidated the break with a drop shot winner, and in the second set, he moved up a set and a double break with a backhand winner to take a 6-4 4-1 lead. Tsitsipas fought back and won four straight games, including two breaks in the sixth and eighth games, to take a 5-4 lead. With a break in the 12th game, the Greek player won the second set 7-5.
Carlos Alcaraz took advantage of a double break to take a 3-0 lead. Tsitsipas took a bathroom break before the fourth game and was penalised two points for taking such a long break. The young Spaniard scored two quick points to end the fourth game. With backhand winners, Alcaraz went up 5-1 and held in love with a service winner as he was serving for the win at 5-2. Next week, The 18-year-old will make his first appearance in the ATP top ten of his career.
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Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)