Carlos Alcaraz remains on the course for his first Cincinnati Masters title following two victories. The event has tested players to the limit in the previous days, with sweltering conditions forcing many to seek medical assistance.
Carlos, however, is handling the extreme heat with ease. The Spaniard passed the young Serb Hamad Medjedovic in the third round, earning a 6-4, 6-4 victory against the rival who required a medical timeout.
Accustomed to sizzling temperatures in his native Murcia, the 22-year-old embraced the challenge rather than being slowed by it. What's Alcaraz's secret in these conditions?
He adjusted his game plan and focused more on serve efficiency, capitalizing on moments when his opponent showed signs of physical strain. Carlos extended the rallies in those situations and made his rival suffer even more.
The heat has been a decisive factor in several matches. However, Alcaraz's comfort in such conditions gave him a clear advantage. The Spaniard entered the last 16 without physical setbacks and with confidence that his preparation is paying off.
ADVERTISEMENT
Who is his next rival? Another young gun, Luca Nardi. The five-time Major champion should be the favorite, although they are scheduled for the night session where the conditions are much different.
"When it's so warm, we try to focus almost solely on the serve. You notice it's so complicated that you forget about your opponent's condition, although I try to think about it as well.
I'm from Murcia, and it's very sizzling there, so I'm used to it, and I try to let it barely affect me. When I see my opponent struggling, I try to make the point even longer," Carlos Alcaraz said.
