Win and wait. These are the steps that Alcaraz outlined in his roadmap to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Finals. He has already given the first after beating a double-speed Zverev this season. Intermittent in several sections and sweet at the end of the year. His attempt to extend the second quality was refused by Alcaraz who breathed at the expense of the German tennis player. He’s already won, now he has to wait.
The afternoon had barely begun and techno was roaring in an Inalpi Arena lit by lights like a nightclub. There was no beam of natural light. It is striking that the venue artificially encapsulates all the lighting during meals. The tournament is billed as a Hollywood production backed by a match that doubles that magnitude.
Alcaraz appears again wearing the fuchsia bandage, placing what has been his healing tool in front of Rublev. He looks fresher than in his match against the Russian. A better face and fresher legs. He had to work hard to resolve all the problems posed by the German. He moved it from side to side, more precise with his backhand. Alcaraz multiplies to counter.
Quick on his feet, although a little slow in strategy. Carlos was obsessed with finding an area in which Zverev operates in harmony. He has it innate, not so much the forehand and even less the volley, he accumulates up to ten unforced errors in a first set which extended to a titanic tie-break.
Zverev took risks and punished the Murcian’s surges at the net. Alcaraz fought back, matching the German’s determination to masterfully save two set points. Passage right and ball across. The Inalpi Arena roared as Carlos threatened to put his finger to his ear. The wind was blowing in his favor, or so it seemed, because at that moment he was not expecting the gust that Zverev sent to the other side of the field.
A hurricane in the shape of a station wagon shook the Spaniard’s equation, who gave up on the German’s next serve. Ready for Zverev and doubts for Alcaraz. He didn’t scare them even with the racket he hit with his backpack. I was on the border between frustration and despair. He had become anxious and couldn’t get her to stray from the path.
He dropped serve early in the second set and Zverev consolidated his break on serve. The Murcian, who did not play badly, was suffering, but the German was close to perfection. “I want to score eight balls,” Carlos shouted towards his bench where he found Ferrero’s response motivating. “You’re closer.” I encouraged him to keep pushing even if the scenario was difficult.
