(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Carlos Alcaraz says he is “a complete player” and provided a detailed explanation of why he is such a difficult opponent to beat. Alcaraz, ranked at No 1 in the world, ousted former world No 10 Denis Shapovalov 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the French Open third round.
In his previous seven tournaments played in 2023, Alcaraz made five finals and won four titles. Following his win over Shapovalov, Alcaraz improved to 33-3 in 2023. “I’m a complete player. You know, I would say the stronger thing that I have on court is that I push to the limit, I push the opponent to the limit every time.
He has to do great things, great stuff to work on my — to overcome me. I would say that, that I’m over there every point playing great points. And I don’t lose the focus. I would say that’s my strong, you know, thing on court,” Alcaraz said, via Tennis Majors.
Alcaraz routinely handled Shapovalov
Alcaraz made a lightning start to the match against Shapovalov, claiming back-to-back breaks to open a comfortable 5-0 lead. Shapovalov finally got on the board in the sixth game before Alcaraz routinely served out for the first set in the following game.
After easily losing the first set, Shapovalov started the second set with an early break and a 2-0 lead. Alcaraz got the break back in the third game but Shapovalov broke the Spaniard again in the fourth game and also served out the fifth game to open a 4-1 lead.
Alcaraz impressively responded, earning back-to-back breaks and winning five games in a row to overturn the deficit and take a two-set lead. Shapovalov’s game collapsed after failing to close out the second set as Alcaraz broke the Canadian in the first game of the third set.
Alcaraz broke Shapovalov again in the fifth game to go up by a double break in the third set. Up by two sets and a double break, Alcaraz routinely closed out Shapovalov in three sets.
