Alcaraz overcame the ordeal to enter the semifinals

Blood, sweat, tears and wind too, which again complicated for the protagonists of Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell-70 Conde de Godó Trophy. “I like clay because every game is a battle,” Carlos Alcaraz had stated upon his arrival in Barcelona to defend the crown.

He had it, and it was good. Two hours and ten minutes of combat, with many strategies, different punches and, above all, heart. A lot of passion and commitment, a lot of responsibility and a desire to do well. There is a lot of tension, which can be seen in the constant alternations in the game and on the scoreboard.

With a common denominator that explains why it happened Carlos Alcaraz19 years old and world number 2, and no Alexander Davidovich, 23 years old and nº 38. In the main moment, more restraint of the young man but with more experience and resources in pressure situations. It is not for nothing that he already has two Masters 1000, Miami and Indian Wells, a US Open and he knows what it is to win the Godó, also returning two ‘match’ points, as happened in the previous edition in the semifinals with Alex de Minaur.

Alcaraz handles himself with authority in extreme situations, and takes his first official fight against Davidovich for 7-6 (5) and 6-4 at 2h.10′. He reached his goal with his eighth straight victory in RCTB-1899, and this Friday he will play in the second semifinal, at 4 pm, against the Argentine Francisco Cerundolo or the british Dan Evans.

Earlier, 1:30 pm, the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas will be measured in ialiano Lorenzo Musetti.

There is no official ATP Tour record in between Alcaraz and Davidovich, but much is known about training and exhibitions. So much so, that they respect each other so much at the Godó headquarters. The mistakes followed each other, almost thirty in the first set of Alcaraz alone, due to the effort to hurt the rival and also to a certain lack of patience on occasions, on both sides.

Alcaraz won the first set in 76 minutes

Big hit, big miss. No line followed. Alcaraz dominated 2-0, 5-4 and served for the first set, and served twice to find himself 0-30 before taking that game and reaching the tiebreak. Equality is maintained, until from 4-5 Davidovich, he accused nerves and Alcaraz remained intact. The last point, after 76′ of fighting, sums it up: right without rhyme or reason Davidovich, a person condemned, a gift for Carlitos.

The man from Malaga made Alcaraz uncomfortable as few rivals have done, who this season has 21 wins and just 2 losses. But when he tried it hard, he had no extra gear that the Murcian could impose.

Alcaraz: “Alex has a repertoire of punches…”

“It was not easy, there was a gust of wind. We are also adjusted to the conditions Alex He has a high repertoire of shots. He can land an impossible punch on you anywhere,” Alcaraz summed up.

the one of The Moral Cove he also demonstrated a left-handed, parallel backhand return from outside to inside the court. Wolves, serving and leaving. So much power. Two very good young people in terms of tennis. But the head today continues to pass judgment in favor of Alcaraz.

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In the third game of the second, the tennis player from Palmar He came back from 0-40, six ‘break’ balls preventing Davidovich from taking advantage, who then gave his service at 3-1 Alcaraz, sending a message of toughness to the Monte Carlo 2022 finalist, who until in its third presence. did not win Godó.

In a tone of ups and downs, it was important but not decisive for Alcaraz, who suffered a third break, of 11 ‘break’ balls against, for 3-3. Davidovich stayed, he always found the moment to unhook a steady Alcaraz who was also struggling.

A great match for the quality of both, with a few drops of drama in the outcome that also helps to underline a contest, a game of rascals who gave a lot of themselves.