It’s not thunderous from start to finish yet, but Carlos Alcaraz is certainly setting some solid milestones as he progresses through the tournament. “I think I played very, very well. Much better than in previous rounds »estimated the young 21-year-old Spaniard on the court, as soon as his success was validated in three sets against Sebastian Korda (6-4, 7-6 [5]6-3).
Here he is indeed in the round of 16, at the end of a match that was generally controlled and ended with an impression of total freedom in striking and playing, which suggests good things for the second week of the tournament. Faced with Sebastian Korda who played his luck with guts and aggression in the first two sets, but who undoubtedly lacked a little precision on the key points, Alcaraz gained strength as the match progressed. , the fifth opposition between the two men (4-1 for Alcaraz now).
For “Carlitos”, who arrived in Paris without much reference on earth this season and with little certainty as to the proper functioning of his right forearm, which has been bothering him since Monte-Carlo, things seem to be falling into place solidly.
First in detention, Alcaraz ends in free expression
After a slightly sluggish second round against Jesper De Jong (176th in the world), the Murcian was much more convincing on Friday. But it took him around fifty minutes to express himself fully and free himself completely, particularly when hitting his forehand. Still a little on restraint, by rolling almost systematically on that side, the 3rd in the world was first exposed to sharp counterattacks from Korda, but the defensive dimension and the remarkable touch on the drop shot kept Juan’s protégé Carlos Ferrero in the fight.
Until this first forehand hit full iron, flat, to offer three set points at 5-4 and the round following. “I wasn’t really worried about playing Sebastian”admitted “Carlitos”, all smiles. “But he hits the ball really well and I knew I was going to run a lot. It was a bit like a marathon for me. »
Behind, things were finally hitting harder and the two men offered some nice moments of fighting, pleasure and bravery, like this crazy tweener tempted by Alcaraz, in cross passing and who almost made the point!
The double Grand Slam winner was launched, but Korda came back from a break behind due to too “light” play from the Spaniard. The story of this second set would therefore be decided in the tie-break. But on these hot spots, the American trembled a little and misplaced four forehands, when “Carlitos” bent his sleeve on a new slap with an uncrossed forehand.
The matter was settled. Korda gave up a little mentally, Alcaraz broke at 2-1 and only gave up… three points on his throw in the third set! He now awaits his opponent in the round of 16, between Félix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton, whose match was interrupted by rain at 5-4 for the Canadian in the first set.
