A performer with great confidence
With great confidence, Carlos Alcaraz showed again his complete and winning game during the quarter-finals at the Goran Ivanisevic Stadium. His opponent Facundo Bagnis quickly lost the first set by 6-0. The fact that the Argentinian Bagnis is left-handed did not give him any advantage. Overall, Alcaraz’s backhand was better than the Argentinian’s forehand. Alcaraz served powerfully and with variation, and dominated the rallies. He also used his weapon of drop shots at both his forehand and backhand side well.
The will to win every game
At 0-6, 0-2 Bagnis wins his first game. This gives him a mental boost, the cheering crowd making him laugh. Alcaraz walks to his chair with a little shake of the head ‘no, not good enough’. This shows Alcaraz’s fighting spirit and will to win every game. Another thing we notice is that Carlos Alcaraz reads the game so well, having the right answer to the different tactics of the Argentinian. For example, Bagnis likes to return with tempo, taking the ball quickly. Giving Carlos less time for his shots. However, this does not work so well. Therefore, the Argentinian player switches his return tactics and chooses to step back when returning. However, the Spaniard notices this and quickly changes to some effective serve and volley tactics. Still, Bagnis keeps on fighting and playing smartly, throwing in some drop-shots as well. He gets as close as 4-5 in the second set. He even gets his first break point of the match during this game. However, Carlos is too good and wins his second match point, closing the match by 6-0, 6-4.
Sinner and Alcaraz are both on track
On the other side of the draw also the second seated Jannik Sinner wins his match. The score of his match is a little less convincing. Still, after a tight second set, he beats the Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena by 4-6, 6-7.
Therefore, the number 1 seated Carlos Alcaraz and the number 2 seated Jannik Sinner are still on track. Both heading towards the finals to face each other. This would great. However, two Italian opponents await them in the semi-finals. Alcaraz faces Gulio Zeppieri. And Sinner first has to beat Franco Agamenone, who defeated Cecchinato in his quarter-finals.
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