On certain days, everything you hit goes straight toward the lines and away from your opponent! Carlos Alcaraz had such experience in the Tokyo Open quarter-final against Brandon Nakashima.
The Spaniard ousted the American 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 20 minutes after a marvelous performance. World no. 1 dropped eight points in his games and kept his rival away from break chances.
He also landed 39 winners and 18 unforced errors, taming his strokes superbly and demonstrating that in the final game of the encounter. Carlos served for the win at 5-4 in the second set and blasted four winners!
He felt extremely happy about his performance and admitted he wanted to push his shot-making abilities to the limits in that last game. The result? Stunning performance and a treat for every tennis lover.
Alcaraz started the game with a behind-the-back backhand crosscourt winner. He continued with a forehand crosscourt winner a meter and a half behind the baseline for 30-0.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 22-year-old then landed a crafty volley winner at the net for three match points. Carlos fired a booming forehand down the line winner on the first, wrapping up a perfect game and storming into the semi-final.
The Spaniard secured three breaks from seven opportunities on the return and controlled the scoreboard. His forehand was out of this world, and the other strokes followed his strongest weapon.
Alcaraz fired a forehand winner in the first game of the match for an early break. He provided another in the seventh game and moved 5-2 in front. World no. 1 closed the opener with a service winner in game eight.
Carlos fired up his forehand in the fifth game of the second set and landed a winner that sent him in front. Nakashima saved three match points on serve at 3-5 to prolong the action.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, Alcaraz left them behind and delivered magic at 5-4 to emerge at the top in style.
"As I said, I tried to stay focused and play incredible tennis in the last game. It worked like never before, and I'm thrilled with my performance," Carlos Alcaraz said.
