Carlos Alcaraz and Jan-Lennard Struff They are determined to make their round of 16 duel of the ATP Mutua Madrid Open Masters 1000 epic. They honored their respective statuses as the reigning champions and finalists of the tournament. The 2024 match sold out all three sets, just like the 2023 match, but the show and drama were better this time.
The Spaniard defeated the German 6-3, 6-7 (5) and 7-6 (4) in 2h.52′ of play in Manolo Santana Stadium of the Caja Mágica. With more than ten thousand fans who went crazy for the Murcian, who they supported in the dramatic resolution of the conflict.
There was a lot of suffering, a great show. A ‘great game’ with a ‘point’, the honest reflection of how the clash developed. Including the two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz taking advantage and then losing it thanks to the grace of a great Struff, aggressive as ever and fearless of anything or anyone.
In the third set, at 1-1, 30-30, the advantage was one point. Alcaraz broke the rhythm of the rally with a backhand drop shot. Struff returned it, he also volleyed the next attack from the Murcian, who at the third attempt tried to lob.
Not to be outdone, Struff arrives and invents the squash blow, a backhand without looking at the opponent that turns into a dangerous lob. Alcaraz’s failure, new defense from the German.
The ending, sensational. With Alcaraz’s house mark.
The perfect example of the level to which the fight has moved. A wonderful sport.
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.
