the key man who finds his best smile in the Davis Cup

Carlos Alcaraz It is this tennis genius who can so quickly win two Grand Slam tournaments in the same season and win the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Gameslike falling in the second round of the US Open in a match in which he couldn’t even win a single set.

It is not infallible, and that is surely the virtue of sport, which does not always respond to logic and leaves unpredictable moments. It is not in vain that it should be remembered that the Murcian tennis player is only 21 years old, which means that in sport he still has a lot of room for improvement and several aspects to refine to be even better.

It seems that all this is forgotten when one looks back at his premature record. Four Grand Slams at this age are within the reach of very few people, which is why when he performs in an unexpected puncture he attracts so much attention.

There were many doubts about how Carlos Alcaraz would achieve the Davis Cup after the serious setback of US Open. This blow was hard, he aspired to win his second title in New York and barely managed to advance one round. He rests, takes time to recover and participates in the competition that rewards the champion with the historic salad bowl.

More shadows than lights marked the appearance of the one from El Palmar on the first day of competition in Davis. He won his individual match against Machac, it is true, but the Czech had to retire after winning the first set with authority. However, his performance in the draw against France to give the definitive point, he came to clarify all the unknowns and recover the best level of Carlos Alcaraz.

First, doubts

It was clear that after the dark chapter of the US Open, the return to the courts of a tennis player accustomed to success was not going to be easy. There was a lot of concern and anticipation to see what face Carlos Alcaraz would show in the Davis Cupand if he showed signs of fatigue, as if to show that the high season was getting longer.

His first competitor was Thomas Machac. Alcaraz played the second game of the clash against the Czech Republic with the peace of mind of knowing that before Roberto Bautista He had done his homework and had managed to put equality back on track.

However, this did not work in favour of the Murcian. His rival pulled out all the stops and ensured that Alcaraz did not finish finding his best feelings on the track. With morale far from being at its best, the first set fell against the Spaniard in a tie-break, so the mountain became a little bigger.

Carlos Alcaraz is not someone who gives up easily or gives in when things are going badly for him, which is why he resurrected himself in the second set, at the most difficult moment. The two-time champion of Wimbledon He started to feel more comfortable on the court, he landed some of those shots that put his hand to his ear and the breaks came his way.

The game, yes, did not end as he would have liked. As he was starting to get going, Thomas Machac noticed some physical problems and had to consult a doctor. He returned to the track, but could barely crawl. There was no turning back. Once the second set fell to Alcaraz, he retired prematurely.

Although the tie has been resolved, David Ferrer He wanted to keep the Murcian in the doubles pair with Granollers. Perhaps hoping that this, instead of weighing him down physically, would help him mentally to continue to recover sensations. In the end, one more victory does not make anyone bitter.

The great Alcaraz

Still with the fly behind his ear, Carlos Alcaraz made his appearance again on the track of Fuente de San Luis. Two days later, he faced Ugo Humbert, and the stage was surely more charged with tension because he could be the man who gave Spain the final point to reach the last eight of the Davis Cup.

On this occasion, everything was very different from what was seen two days ago. Alcaraz was seen having fun on the pitch, reaching any ball with ease when he had to defend and attacking with remarkable solvency.

“Smile,” they told him occasionally to get him out of the rut. This time, he had the expression marked on his face and he didn’t need to force it, Alcaraz was enjoying playing tennis and sweeping Humbert off the court who couldn’t find a way to counteract what he had on the other side of the court.

Solid with his service, Alcaraz He started putting pressure on others and that gave him confidence. He had to overcome complicated situations, but that’s where he played the bravest and the least wrinkled.

He had great quality shots, sliced ​​backhands that left the ball dead, forehands that ran like the devil without the Frenchman being able to reach them. He had only one moment of doubt. When it served to close the game, Humbert He had three break points. But Alcaraz didn’t even flinch and saved them one after the other.

Once again, the Frenchman threatened with a fourth break chance, but that was the end of Alcaraz’s thoughts, who ended up closing the match on a high note.

The Murcian wants the Davis Cup and wants to bring the bowl home. It was important for him to perform well in this competition and he finished with a very good feeling. This will give him a lot of confidence for his next goals for the rest of the season, including the last eight of this competition.