French Open: Carlos Alcaraz wins thriller after a match point defense
Carlos Alcaraz (ATP No. 6) won a crazy second round match - in five sets against Albert Ramos-Vinolas. In round four "Carlitos" had to fend off a match point.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: May 25, 2022, 08:30 pm
Carlos Alcaraz, the shooting star of the current season, was about to be eliminated: After a sovereign 6:1 he had to give up the following two sets in the tie-break; in round four served opponent Albert Ramos-Vinolas to win the match.
In the end, however, the 19-year-old won: 6: 1, 6: 7 (7), 5: 7, 7: 6 (2) and 6: 4 after a sometimes spectacular fifth set.
Above all, Alcaraz struggled not to take advantage of his break chances: in the end he had 8 chances with 31 chances (Ramos-Vinolas, on the other hand, took 6 of his 7 chances).
Crazy: In the final round, Alcaraz was already 0: 3 behind, caught up with a sprint across the entire field and a slice passing ball past Ramos-Vinolas - who had already written off the point. The decision, especially since he managed another break? Nothing! ARV equalized again, with the 4:4 followed by another outstanding defensive performance by "Carlitos". The then served with three aces and zero.
"I feel like I'm playing at home. It's incredible to play in front of you," said Alcaraz afterwards in front of an enthusiastic audience.
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