“I didn’t know what to do” Carlos Alcaraz admits Jannik Sinner had him clueless during the finals in Umag

Newly promoted World No. 4 Carlos Alcaraz‘s clay season finally came to an end with the conclusion of the 2022 Croatia Open in Umag. The Spaniard was the defending champion at this year’s event in Umag having won his maiden Tour title last year by defeating Richard Gasquet. Seeded first this year and a favourite for the title, Alcaraz just came short at the final step of a successful title defence.

Up against second seed, Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz lost to the Italian youngster for the second time in the month. Sinner won the match 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-1 to win his 6th ATP title, his first title of the season and his first career title on Clay. It was a brilliant final, much to the expectation of the tennis fans as the two youngsters, both in Top-10, played some brilliant tennis in which Sinner was the one to eventually come on the top and take the trophy home.

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Carlos Alcaraz failed to win a single break point from 9 chances

Sinner put in a clinical performance against Alcaraz who was the favourite given his better suitability and adaptability to the surface. The Italian however showed great resolute to deny the Spaniard the title as he saved 9 break points, which included 6 break points in a single game of the second set. It turned out to be a crucial moment as Sinner broke in the very next game and took command of the match thereon.

“I had a lot of chances and against players like Jannik, if you don’t take them, it’s hard to beat him. After the first set, he got better and I couldn’t find a way to serve well. There was a time when I didn’t know what to do or how to get him to play. He started reacting and that was the key. I kept missing and being less aggressive. I’ll try not to do that next time,” said Alcaraz speaking with the press after his defeat.

It was the second finals defeat in a row for Alcaraz who had earlier won all 5 of his Tour finals. With the Clay season coming to an end, the Spaniard will have a delayed return to hardcourts along with Sinner who both have chosen to skip this week’s hardcourt events in the USA. Sinner gave up his Washington Open title without any title defense and the two youngsters will directly return to action at the Montreal Masters next week.

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