Emotional Rollercoaster: Carlos Alcaraz Survives War of Attrition to Reach French Open Quarterfinals

The thrill of a Grand Slam tournament is unmatched, and the latest match between reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and American 13th seed Ben Shelton was a testament to this. The two tennis stars engaged in a grueling battle of attrition, leaving it all on the court as they fought for a spot in the French Open quarterfinals. In the end, it was Alcaraz who emerged victorious, but not without Shelton pushing him to his limits.

A Thrilling Encounter

The match, which lasted over three hours, was a masterclass in tennis, with both players showcasing their incredible skills. The scoreline of 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 barely does justice to the drama and tension that unfolded on Court Philippe Chatrier. As Alcaraz himself said after the match, “I think we both have huge respect to each other, we entertaining the people well.” The Spaniard’s words were a testament to the high level of competition and the mutual admiration between the two players.

Shelton’s Power-Hitting Puts Alcaraz to the Test

Shelton, known for his powerful serves and shots, proved to be a formidable opponent for Alcaraz. The American’s ability to make any shot on the court had Alcaraz on his toes throughout the match. As the Spaniard noted, “He’s a really powerful player — he can make any shot… I appreciate the moment that I’ve shared with him today.” The respect between the two players was palpable, and their encounter was a thrill to watch.

A Tight First Set Sets the Tone

The first set was a nail-biter, with both players locked in a fierce battle. The tie-break was a thrilling affair, with both players having chances to clinch the opener. Alcaraz eventually emerged victorious, but not without Shelton pushing him to the limit. The set was a testament to the high level of competition, with both players giving it their all.

Alcaraz Takes Control, But Shelton Refuses to Give Up

When Alcaraz finally forced a break against Shelton in the second set, it seemed like the match was heading towards a straightforward victory for the Spaniard. However, Shelton was not one to give up easily. The American produced two breaks of serve to edge the most open of the four frames, sending a strong message to Alcaraz that he was not going to go down without a fight.

The Final Showdown

The fourth set was a tense affair, with both players giving it their all. Alcaraz, however, was determined to see out the match and gain a spot in the quarterfinals. As dusk descended over centre court, the Spaniard served out the match, securing a hard-fought victory.

Next Up: A Tough Encounter with Tommy Paul

Alcaraz’s victory sets up a fascinating encounter with another American, 12th seed Tommy Paul. The two players have a history of tough matches, with Alcaraz leading their series 4-2. As the Spaniard noted, “I remember that every match that I’ve played against him he was really tough. He was really difficult.” Paul’s level is high right now, and Alcaraz will need to be at the top of his game to emerge victorious.

What’s Next?

The French Open has been full of surprises so far, and the latest schedule is out. The fourth round will see some exciting matches, including Sinner, Djokovic, and Gauff in action. Will Alcaraz be able to continue his winning streak and make it to the final? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the French Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

As the tournament heats up, stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and insights into the world of tennis. The French Open is a tournament like no other, and we’ll be bringing you all the latest news and coverage. From the thrilling matches to the behind-the-scenes stories, we’ll have it all. So, stay tuned and get ready to experience the magic of the French Open!

Content originally published by sportstar.thehindu.com