WATCH: “His consistency looks suspicious,” Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘groundbreaking’ lob sends shockwaves around the Arthur Ashe Stadium
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Carlos Alcaraz
The sky is the limit for 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz and in the semifinals of the 2022 US Open, he proved just why he is hyped as the future of men’s tennis. Alcaraz defeated American Frances Tiafoe in the semis in five sets 6-7(6),6-3,6-1,6-7(5),6-3 to reach his maiden grand slam final.
Alcaraz was the better player throughout the match but the intensity Tiafoe brought into the match coupled with the crowd support leveled things up. The two players displayed tremendous hitting and were looking to go for flat-out baseline shots. Tiafoe marginally took the first set in the tie-breaker but the match was always on as Alcaraz bounced back to clinch the next two sets convincingly.
While Alcaraz maintained his level in the second and the third set, there was a slight level drop in Tiafoe’s game which cost him dearly after winning the opener. But the American pulled up his sleeves and marched ahead to win the fourth set and level things up. The set eventually went into a tie-breaker and given the big match temperament, Alcaraz always had a slight edge.
Carlos Alcaraz hits an unreal lob to shift momentum for himself
But the stand out of the fifth set or rather the match was a lob that Alcaraz hit which proved to be vital in the context of the match. Tiafoe was completely in control of the rally and even came to the net to close out the point. But in came a charging Alcaraz and despite being completely out of position, played a perfect backhand lob shot and all Tiafoe could do was see the ball go overhead as he bowed his head in disappointment and in appreciation of his opponent’s class.
Tiafoe ended up losing the match as Alcaraz made it to his maiden major final where he’ll face Casper Ruud on Sunday evening.
Also Read: Who is Frances Tiafoe’s coach? Know all about his coaching team
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)