Petits As de Tarbes: Alcaraz, the Iberian show at Les Petits As

It was the attraction of the day at Les Petits As: Jaime Alcaraz. A name reminiscent of that of 8 years his senior, Carlos Alcaraz. After the passage, in 2016 and 2017, of the former world number 1 on the Tarbes courts, it was the turn of his little brother to hit his first balls at the Mondial des Petits As. Usually calm, the international qualifications were experienced unparalleled fervor this Saturday. And if the spectators rushed to find a place in the Central stand, they were not the only ones impressed by Jaime's presence. Present in the international qualifying table, benefiting from a wild card, the young Spaniard was opposed to Erikas Balkunas, who did not hesitate to ask his opponent for a photo before the warm-up.

After the euphoria of the pre-match, the young Iberian did not take long to get back into his match. By relying on an often very powerful serve, around 165 km/h, the Spaniard will win his serve, not without difficulty. Imitated immediately by the Lithuanian, Alcaraz will produce his effort in the middle of the set. With strong cross or long line forehand shots, he will break his opponent with a shutout (4-2). A lead which disappears like a foehn blow on the Pyrenees, since Balkunas will break immediately (4-3).

An almost useless break, since once again, Alcaraz will take his opponent's service with a shutout. And, unlike the previous game, the Spaniard will, this time, confirm his break to go for the first set on his second set point after a missed volley from the Lithuanian (6-3).

“I’m really happy to play here in Tarbes”

Confident with winning the first set, Jaime will raise his level of play in the second. A tempo printed from the first game back where he will break his opponent to take the advantage. In the process, despite two break points against him, Alcaraz will confirm his break (2-0). A scenario that will repeat itself several games later, where the Spaniard will once again erase a break point to keep his lead (4-2).

A lead that he will even increase by taking his opponent's service a second time in this set (5-2). Serving to win the match, Alcaraz will not tremble and will punch his ticket for the second round of international qualifying in 1h13 (6-3, 6-2). A second round where he will face, this Sunday, the number 2 seed, the Czech Filip Sebek. But before this meeting, Carlos' little brother did not hide his joy at having won this match. “I am satisfied to have won this match. I am really happy to play here in Tarbes and I would like to thank the organization for the invitation. I was very little when Carlos played here, I am happy to play where he played”, the Spaniard reacted warmly before going to sign autographs.

In demand from everywhere after his match, there is no doubt that Jaime Alcaraz will, once again, be on everyone's lips this Sunday.