Carlos Alcaraz talked about how one critical point deep in the third set made all the difference in his come-from-behind win over Hubert Hurkacz.
The world number one had his back to the wall during the evening session, coming within a few points from defeat. But he turned the match around to win 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, and advance into Friday's quarterfinal. Despite leading 5-2, and then squandering four match points, Alcaraz eventually prevailed in two hours and 41 minutes.
Speaking to the media, Alcaraz opened up on how one otherworldly shot while 5-6 down in the third set swung the pendulum in his favor. He believes that if he lost that point he 'probably' loses the match. The point Alcaraz is referring to here is the sliding backhand down-the-line passing shot winner at the start of the 12th game.
Hurkacz looked in control of the point, firing a bullet-like, deep return on serve which Alcaraz picked it up at knee height. The Pole then followed it up with a crisp backhand to put Alcaraz on the backfoot again. Seemingly hard-pressed, Alcaraz chased on an overcooked volley by Hurkacz to pass him - it was the only escape route.
"Well, I tried to just think you know, I try not to think about what happened in that four games. I just believe, you know, in that moment I was going to show my best level that I was showing in the whole third set."
"I just tried to become, you know, the first point in the 5-6, it was massively the key. Because if I would have lost that point, probably I have lost the match."
The point in question was Djokovicesque in anticipation and execution. The crowd was on the edge of their seat and even Hurkacz applauded it. Still, even after he held serve at 6-all, Alcaraz showed some steely resolve and mental fortitude to put the early disappointment behind him.
"But, you know, I'm really happy, you know, to be able to stay calm, to stay strong mentally in that moment and to be able to get the win with a great tie-breaker in the third set."
Carlos Alcaraz will meet American 12th seed Tommy Paul for a spot in the semifinal. This is a rematch from 12 months ago when Paul sent Alcaraz packing in the second round of the Canadian Open.
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