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Carlos Alcaraz is still looking for his best form during the Asian tour, and it was also seen at the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai. The Spaniard defeated Daniel Evans with a score of 7-6 (1), 6-4, but he was not entirely convincing.
Extremely complicated start made even more difficult by the clumsy fourth game. Alcaraz lost serve to zero by committing three free throws, two with forehands. The Briton saved himself in an interminable fifth game, which lasted 19 minutes, erasing six break points.
The star from Murcia did not find the right rhythm in response.
At the tenth attempt, down 2-4, Alcaraz raised his head again. In the tie-break, a magnificent pass made the Spaniard’s path downhill, and he finished with a clear 7-1.
Even in the second set, Alcaraz was forced to chase Evans; the counter break arrived without any problems in the fourth game.
The Briton didn’t take advantage of four chances and surrendered at 4-5, when Alcaraz unleashed a backhand winner on match point.
The rival of the current world number two will be Grigor Dimitrov.
One of the most sensational rallies of the challenge was won by Evans, but Alcaraz’s incredible defense must be highlighted.
Here is the video shared on X by ATP Tennis:
No words.
Just watch. 😶#RolexShanghaiMasters | @SH_RolexMasters pic.twitter.com/fLbHL3Vurz — ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2023
The other matches
Dimitrov won one of the most interesting matches of the day in straight sets against Karen Khachanov.
An almost perfect performance allowed Andrey Rublev to overwhelm the French Adrian Mannarino and reach the round of 16 in Shanghai. The Russian beat the Frenchman 6-3, 6-0 in just over an hour of play. Rublev’s next opponent will be Tommy Paul.
The American won the battle in the third set with Arthur Fils. After complicated months, he finds Diego Schwartzman‘s smile again. El Peque returned to beat a top 10 player, the last time it happened in Barcelona in 2022 against Felix Auger-Aliassime, overcoming Taylor Fritz in the decisive set.
