The 2025 Australian Open is heating up in Melbourne in the presence of the best players in the world, taking advantage of these days to continue filming before the start of the first Grand Slam of the year.
This is the case of Carlos Alcarazwho played their first game of the season this Wednesday, a loss against Australian Alex de Minaur 7-5, 4-6 and 10-5 in a charity exhibition match that did not worry the Murcian tennis player, who delighted the thousands of fans who almost filled the Rod Laver Arena.
After a few early scoring games, Alcaraz managed a scoreless break (3-1) that seemed to leave the set ready to be decided. It’s not like that. De Minaur then took his best shots and, Taking advantage of the Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion’s lack of practice, he managed to get the set back to take it 7-5.
The first plays of the second quarter increased in intensitywithout any of the opponents being able to rest themselves. Alcaraz offered a feast of drop shots that De Miñaur repaid with unwavering solidity on serve. The Rod Laver crowd was delighted with the alternatives on the scoreboard and the dedication of the rivals in a clash with nothing at stake.
El Palmar had four breaking balls for 5-3, which he did not convert. It made a lot of mistakes at that stage, but was supported by an improved service. And in one superb game among others he closed out the set and sent the match to a super tiebreaker.
The Australianwhich this year has won its two official matches in the United Cup, He was ahead 4-1, an advantage he cherished until the final 10-5.
Such was the lack of significance of the match, that in the end Alcaraz almost spent more time answering questions about his haircut.
“I talked to my hairdresser about the fact that when I cut my hair… three days later it grows back. So I have to go more often. It’s a new year. I know I’m going here to Australia. 40 degrees. It’s summer here. I thought I needed a new one. I had this haircut a few years ago and I love it. “Probably this year he will be the new Carlitos in terms of style,” he said with a laugh.
The master of ceremonies, former German tennis player Andrea Petkovic, also had time to troll De Miñaur for her outfit in a recently published photo.
“Carlos is not the only trend here. If we look at… Alex…what inspired you? A pajama? A Gucci suit? tell us” he asked.
“That’s fashion” laughed the Australian’s response.
This Friday, second and last appointment for Alcaraz. His rival, another Australian, Alexei Popyrinnumber 25 in the ranking, a dangerous rival that he will try to finish fine-tuning after an intense preseason dedicated to physical work.
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.
