Carlos Alcaraz will never forget this day, because it will be difficult for him to experience anything like it. It was one of the most eventful days of his professional career. For now it is short, but for a decade it will continue to remember the events that took place in the California desert.
Outdoor tennis is exposed to many elements. In this edition, Indian Wells went through a sand storm, the classic rain or the wind storm. They are part of the book of this sport, not so much that a swarm of bees invaded the center court and forced a prolonged suspension of the quarterfinal match of the ATP Masters 1000.
Alcaraz suffered a bee on the forehead. He was especially attacked by insects, in the place where he served 1-1, 15-0, but he returned after an hour and 48 minutes ready for his most surreal victory, because of all that the queen had caused bee and his numerous entourage. , had its own show as the climax, not that of some bugs who insidiously invited themselves.
A pest expert, president of the ‘Bee Killer’ company, was the unlikely hero of the day. Dressed in a jersey that proclaimed his company’s name, he used a vacuum cleaner to patiently suck up the bees focused on the Bird Cam, the camera that captures overhead images suspended above the field thanks to the cables to which it moving
The man, Lance Davies, who was not wearing insect protection, then fumigated parts of the pitch. The public cheered him on, even immortalizing him in selfies. Alcaraz and Zverev laughed out loud as they watched him walk around the stadium, once the problem was solved, like a movie star.
He reassures Alcaraz who is unsure of continuing the clash by seeing bees landing on his towels. The specialist assured him that there were no more bites.
He left the stage ready who would be the only hero if the bees didn’t shine. The reigning Indian Wells champion took over the stage with a spectacular tennis show. He eliminated Alexander Zverev 6-3 and 6-1 in 1h.29′, meeting the Italian Jannik Sinner for Saturday, who revived the semifinals of the previous edition, which the Spaniard won.
He met his executioner again later in Miami and Beijing, the champion of the Australian Open and Rotterdam, unbeaten in sixteen matches this season. But fortunately Alcaraz is looking for revenge, which he had this week against Fabian Marozsan, Zverev himself (he is still 4-5 down, he lost in the ATP Finals and Australian Open). Another incentive, like defending the world number 2 in the ranking.
And Alcaraz has regained his best version. Delivering just six points on his serve, he demolished Zverev with impossible passing, overflowing forehands and the magic of his dropshots and lobs. There was no shortage of impeccable serves and nets. Total tennis, against an opponent who has lost his way on the break.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
