Erste Bank Open: Carlos Alcaraz first semi-finalist after defeating Berrettini
Young star Carlos Alcaraz was the first player to reach the semifinals of the Erste Bank Open 2021. The Spanish teenager won against Matteo Berrettini 6: 1, 6: 7 (2) and 7: 6 (5).
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Oct 29, 2021, 04:52 pm
Many spectators were still standing in line in front of the Wiener Stadthalle, when Carlos Alcaraz was already leading 5-0 after a lightning start and 20 minutes playing time against Matteo Berrettini. Alcaraz, 18 years old, basically hit every ball, Berrettini wasn't even to blame: the teenager, who is looked after by former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, played too well. 6: 1 after almost half an hour, that was also remarkable in that the appearance of Alcaraz against Berrettini was only the fourth match of the Spaniard on the ATP tour in the hall.
Berrettini is exactly the counter-program to Carlos Alcaraz's youngest opponent: The teenager had to deal with Andy Murray . And so with a colorful mix of slice, spin, praise and everything. Berrettini is more about the pace, especially with serve and forehand. Exactly this service did not work as usual in the first Friday match of the Erste Bank Open 2021. Or else: Alcaraz also knew how to convince as a return player.
Alcaraz breaks Berrettini early in the third set
After all: Matteo Berrettini fended off two breakballs at the beginning of a new early deficit. The next opportunities for Alcaraz came in the fifth game, again Berrettini was able to counter. The second set had to be decided in a tie-break. Berrettini did not hesitate long, managed to equalize the set with the 7: 2.
In the decision, the Spaniard was the first to strike, and after a sensational rally he made the break to 3-1. After a short breather, Berrettini picked himself up again and, with the kind help of his opponent, made it 3: 4. A few minutes later, Alcaraz was only two points away from victory - Berrettini held against it and made it through the tiebreaker. Alcaraz managed the first mini-break to 2-0, at 4-2 for the Spaniard the sides were changed. With two service points, Alcaraz made it 6: 3, so he got three match points. Berretini fended off the first with a serve on the line. On the second, a return from Alcaraz was too long. Carlos Alcaraz took the third chance with a strong service.
In the semifinals on Saturday, the winner of the game between Alexander Zverev and Félix Auger-Aliassime will be played .
Here the single tableau in Vienna
wienmap