Alcaraz collides with a very good Medvedev, US Open finalist against Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz, 20 years old, he will not repeat his US Open crown. I know that next Monday I will give up the world number one. The desired final with the Serbian Novak Djokovic He jumped into the air as another champion blocked the Spaniard. He is the victim of a wonderful Daniel Medvedevwho raised his acknowledged best version to subdue the Murcian.

He played a great game Carlos Alcarazbut the extra has been brilliant this time Daniel Medvedev, 27 years old and No. 3, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3 in 3h.18′ of a great match played indoors due to rain in New York. The audience once again rose from their seats, magnetized by the quality of the exchanges between both protagonists, two true champions. He pushed the defender of the crown a lot, but the audience also had to give in to the Muscovite.

The one from 2022 falls to the one from 2021, which will repeat the rivalry with its previous victim, the Serbian Novak Djokovic who fulfilled his duty by defeating the American Ben Shelton by 6-3, 6-2 and 7-6 (4).

Perhaps Alcaraz regrets not having that magic that often allows him to establish differences against the most direct rivals. But little blame can be laid, as credit must be given to the match that Medvedev finished.

He brought back all the Russians, but not only as a defense, but every hit was a counterattack to put the team in trouble. Alcaraz, who also endured a direct fight on the right, despite the Murcian’s punching power. It is lit Medvedevwho avenged their clear defeats this year at Indian Wells (6-3 and 6-2) and Wimbledon (6-3, 6-3 and 6-3).

The Muscovite had his day, which also decided not to speculate as in those quotes. He decided to be aggressive with every shot. And he was able to give the initiative to someone as explosive and effective as Alcaraz, whom he tied in the tiebreak of the first set, which the Murcian played better, and lost hope in the second, a work of Russian art.

Alcaraz He went into the bathroom and came back with a new uniform. He won the court, making a break for 3-1 which allowed him to catch his breath and Medvedev hesitated for a moment. But the Russian came back, having survived the tragedy of the last game, where he saved three breaking balls, recovery. Alcaraz, and he needed four match balls, as he threw the initial one overboard with the tenth double fault. A fact that may be negative, but it also indicates the risk with which the Russian decided to act. Because he feels good, “playing eleven out of ten, like I said it had to happen to be able to beat Alcaraz,” he said euphorically.

Alcaraz, who has never come back from two sets down, also because he hasn’t had many opportunities in his short and successful career, found a way to serve at the net. He won 55 out of 70 points with this tactic, the most stopping Medvedev, who broke long and deep, also on the feet, making the Spaniard’s work difficult, as he struggled to maintain his serve (3 of 7 breaks received ) It was very difficult for him to steal the opponent (he did it once out of nine times).

He literally hit a wall, a pediment wall. The faster the wheel goes, the faster it returns. And there’s no way he’s not coming back. Remarkably high for Alcaraz, with accolades from Medvedev, who will be playing in his third US Open final, fifth in a Grand Slam.

Alcaraz’s path to the Grand Slam was halted after winning Wimbledon. It was his second loss in the last 26 duels in that category, also second at the US Open in 18 matches. Leading the victories this season, 58-7, Medvedev pushed with a balance of 55-11, combining his command on hard courts (38-5).

Alcaraz, who will look forward to next week’s Davis Cup in Valencia after assimilating a difficult setback. Because he aspired, rightly, to be a champion. Even defeating a Medvedev like this is no drama either. Russian is awesome.