traits of a champion They are displayed in different ways. Sometimes they are seen in a clean game that leaves the opponent unanswered. Others with an unattainable courage in a fighting spirit. And there are other games, like the semi-finals of the US Open that they’re playing this Wednesday. Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverevimposed here Ability to solve and gradually improve until victory is achievedeven before it reaches full brightness.
This is what the man from El Palmar showed, who improved as he measured the Germans and advanced further. 6-3, 6-2 and 6-4 is back semi-finals last big event of the year He is the only person under the age of 21 to achieve this feat in a row since André Agassi between 1988 and 1990.
There Number 3 in the world is waiting for him and the New York champion a year before that: Daniel MedvedevThe team defeated his friend Andrey Rublev in three sets (6-3, 6-3 and 6-4) before the match hours.
“One day a player will die”
Some and others played hot and humid conditions as hell It’s a relentless sauna in New York City these days, tormenting players. And these circumstances led Medvedev to be more open than anyone else. “One day a player will die.”, warned in the middle of the game. Later, at the press conference, he defended his frankness and solution-seeking discussion: “We’d better have a little talk before something happens.”
match with Zverev
I knew these conditions well. ZverevOn Monday, during the 281-minute night marathon against Jannik Sinner, he had these troubles. 15 hours Time spent on the track to qualify for the quarterfinals Eight hours 36 minutes from Alcaraz). And probably the whole set passed bill, physical and mental towards Hamburg.
It’s such a thing Alcaraz took advantage of the opportunity further productive What else is in the first set? because they are back again mistakes and inaccuracies with the first serve they’ve seen in the last games, and also seize the slightest opportunity. After saving two break points in the seventh game, he was the one to smash Zverev at the first opportunity. And already 5-3 and service is set. He scored the first serves there, made his only direct serve in that arm there, and took the set there. This is a teacher activity.
in a second Alcaraz Raised the game level. More flashes were seen, such as his spectacular backstroke to steal the first of two serves that broke the German player. And the mood remained the same in the third set: effective defense, precise attack, perfect shot at the right time… And in just two and a half hours Alcaraz sealed the victory. Medvedev on Friday.