Just as all roads led to Novak Djokovic leading up to this, the same logic led to the assumption two weeks ago that if anyone could finish ahead of the Serb in the final and put an end to him, it was Carlos Alcaraz. Both solvents in their respective tasks of the penultimate round, as soon as the Serb prevails against Jannik Sinner and then the Spaniard kills the Russian Daniil Medvedev with a triple 6-3 (in 1h 50m), the stands in London rub their hands because one imagines the attractive final this Sunday, which is still the maximum expression of current tennis: Nole, Carlitos and later, a generous number of miles, far away, the rest. Neither the Italian (6-3, 6-4 and 7-6(4) nor those of Moscow offer a resistance worth more consolation than having come this far Today it is the Balkans and the Murcians who rule and collect as they please , even if they leave the crumbs to others in the intermediate stages.
Djokovic’s hierarchy is followed by the precipitous natural development of Alcaraz, who understands neither phases nor processes and, in just one month, has achieved what most tennis players never do in a lifetime: knowing how to really play on grass. He captures it again against Medvedev, whom he rejects with an air of circumstance, as if he knows in advance what fate awaits him. Ugly ugly. As much as the Russian is capable of finding solutions where none exist, and that he is the only one of this in-between generation who has managed to assert himself and respond, so much so that he does not hold a breath. The young man from El Palmar devours him in a flat and efficient duel, without frills or genius because this time he doesn’t even ask for it. Again the serious and determined Alcaraz. Unforgettable and straight ahead, the number one slaps again and faces the giant in what will mean his first Wimbledon final.
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The territory is historically linked to the Anglo-Saxons, turf rewards the intrepid and in national tennis there are seven who have survived to the last day in the mesmerizing green adventure. The list reflects the brilliant achievements of pioneers Lilí Álvarez (triple finalist in 1926, 1927 and 1928) and Manolo Santana (champion in 1966), as well as those of Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (four finals), Conchita Martínez (first Spanish winner, 1994), Rafael Nadal (five , with two laurels), Garbiñe Muguruza (two finals, crowned in 2017) and now Alcaraz, the last brave man. With little experience prior to landing on the current tour – having only played six games before conquering Queen’s – the circuit leader has taken on the complex automatisms required by the surface at the speed of a gifted individual.
This rainy Thursday in London sets the scene for action under the power station roof, where the English admire and enjoy the delicious movement of the Murcian. He makes it and undoes it, quickly cornering Medvedev. He has a backhand, digs wildly with his forehand and displays exceptional handling on slices, arguably the most refined shot in tennis; Safe and confident, he even dares a return under his feet, which the Cathedral appreciates, knowing that the scene will repeat itself frequently for years to come. Alcaraz has just started, as they say, but he shows himself on the track as a long-time competitor who knows how to perfectly interpret what the moment and every situation demands, with the sixth sense inherent in the chosen ones. He denies: “I was just working on it…”. But it is. The Muscovite withstood six games, but in the seventh he was hit by the train. From then on, all he had was suffering, another bad drink.
Excuses and more excuses
Medvedev claimed in March that the track at Indian Wells was too slow and therefore broken. Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas claimed that the melatonin consumed before this year’s duel between the two at Roland Garros played a trick on him. And Dane Holger Rune argued that he woke up ill on Wednesday when he offered what is probably the biggest opposition Alcaraz has encountered in recent times. Maybe they are right, but if the situation had been different, the outcome would certainly have been the same. Because the numbers have something of cheats. They say that the first of them has won the same titles as him this season and that both have the same number of wins (46). However, the gap between one and the other is currently enormous. It swept him away. The last little knot – four consecutive breaks – is a mere mirage. A crossed faded cap bears the signature.
Alcaraz returned a backhand during the game. TOLGA AKMEN (EFE)
Categorical and bestial even beyond the high expectations he began to inspire as a teenager, the number one claims his 35th win at a Grand Slam, 10th at Wimbledon and 15th on grass. Without having to offer a bonus, he experiences his first final in London and henceforth challenges the big boss Nole. But above all, tennis celebrates because it analyzes long-term and comes to the conclusion: This wonderful journey from Alcaraz has only just begun.
With a narrow margin of 37 days, the two meet again after the Serb’s victory in the semi-finals at Roland Garros, where Alcaraz suffered a muscle collapse from a strain. That afternoon, between cramps and the infernal ball rhythm imposed by El Chacal, it was solved in the form of a lesson. “It will be very difficult, but I will fight to the end. I’ve always dreamed of reaching a final here and to do it against Novak is incredible. It’s not the time to be tired or scared, but to try,” affirms the 20-year-old from El Palmar, who is in the lead.
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Sunday’s clash (3pm, #Vamos) will jeopardize the very ATP throne he has defended since June 26, when he reclaimed it in Rome. “It’s time to keep dreaming, I will believe in myself,” added Alcaraz, who was featured in his second major final after the one he won at the US Open last year. “It’s the most expected of everyone, including me,” says Djokovic in the conference room after postponing the intervention to fully witness his next opponent’s performance; “He’s an incredible player, the biggest challenge I can face right now, both physically and emotionally. I know that Carlos is very motivated.”
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