Carlos Alcaraz continues to win without opposition. The number two in the world returned several days ago after a long injury and does not seem to want to stop. The 19-year-old from Murcia won the ATP tournament in Buenos Aires and is now working to reconfirm himself in the ATP 500 tournament in Rio de Janeiro.
The Spaniard is growing challenge after challenge and winning condition, a condition that will come in handy for the increasingly imminent North American tournament. Alcaraz reached the semifinals of the tournament, and prevailed with the result of 6-4; 7-6 to the Serbian Dusan Lajovic.
Almost two hours of play for a match that was not easy at all: Carlos was down by a break in both sets but managed to recover with his usual unpredictability and a performance that grew throughout the match. In the post-game conference, Carlos spoke and was quite satisfied.
“I think I’m playing at a fairly high level. I still can’t compare it with my performance last season, but I’m happy with how things are turning out, I’m aware that these are different times. Last year I started at a very good level from the beginning and I showed it with the victories in Rio de Janeiro and Miami, as well as in other tournaments.
I still think I can improve, that’s obvious, but I’m happy with the level I’m playing at.” The Iberian talent continued: “Right now I am at a very good level from a physical point of view, I am playing very tough and demanding matches, even on consecutive days, and I am happy because I am doing well despite the many months of absence in the circuit.
Both Lajovic and I showed very good physical and mental performance, and our shots were also good. I am very happy to have advanced and to be in the semifinals in Rio, I think it was my best game”.
Chizever pays tribute to Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz’s heroics since his return from injury were noticed by tennis commentator Geoffrey Chizever, who was thrilled for the youngster’s return to form.
“He’s so crazy. That’s unbelievable! You are gone for four months, and he is doing the same – the movement. It’s the same shot-making. It’s crazy!” Chizever said on the Inside-In podcast.
“I forgot how much we missed Alcaraz’s smile and the athleticism and the shot-making. When we saw him in Buenos Aires against Cam Norrie,” he said.
