'Wasn’t Easy': Alcaraz Delighted With Win In Tricky Conditions In Cincinnati

| by Nurein Ahmed

Carlos Alcaraz's Cincinnati Masters campaign got off to a great start, but the Spaniard was pushed to his limits by the indefatigable Jordan Thompson.

World No. 1 Alcaraz came from a break down the first set and needed the full three sets to beat Thompson 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in a match that lasted 12 minutes shy of three hours. Alcaraz's momentum in the match was stalled multiple times by rain showers in unusually chilly conditions in Ohio.

Playing at the Western & Southern Open for just the third time in his career, Alcaraz is fully aware that anything less than a runner-up finish in Cincinnati could keep Novak Djokovic interested in the race to become the ATP's No. 1 for the 2023 US Open.

While the performance was far from convincing, it is pertinent to note Thomspon has been a real thorn for the top players this season and has played some of his best tennis on quicker surfaces. His variation, world-class net presence, and weight of shot forced Alcaraz to restrategize. In the end, the Spaniard found a higher gear to pull through.

Alcaraz & Djokovic Set For Another Clash After Davis Cup Teams Announcement
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"It wasn't an easy match but I found my best level at the end. We were waiting around all day to play the match and then when you step on the court you have to start with the rain, so it wasn't easy. But you have to find a way to win these matches in this type of situation."

Alcaraz is in the company of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero this week. The 43-year-old did not fly to Canada, but must now get his charge into the best possible shape and form before his title defense at the US Open. Alcaraz could meet his Canadian Open conqueror Tommy Paul in the third round.

The American has beaten Alcaraz in two successive seasons during the US swing, most recently in Toronto this past week. Paul, however, will need to navigate a potential banana peel against French lefty Ugo Humbert to set up that rematch.

Alcaraz Starts World No. 1 Fight Against Djokovic With Win Over Thompson In Cincinnati
Alcaraz Starts World No. 1 Fight Against Djokovic With Win Over Thompson In Cincinnati

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