Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur have stepped onto the court at the ATP Finals in Turin, kicking off the singles action at the premium ATP event. The Spaniard will try to leave the Paris Masters setback behind and make a strong start against the dangerous opponent.
Carlos leads Alex 4-0, although they have embraced a couple of thrilling duels, with their most recent one promising to develop into another tight battle on an indoor court.
Their first duel came in the semi-final of the Barcelona Open in 2022. It was one of the biggest battles of the season, with the Spaniard prevailing 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in three hours and 40 minutes after saving two match points!
The encounter spread over two days, and the young gun kept his focus to overcome all the obstacles and emerge at the top. The Aussie had a chance to seal the deal in straightsets.
ADVERTISEMENT
He broke in the ninth game and served for the win at 5-4. Carlos pulled the break back before losing serve again at 5-5. De Minaur served for the win for the second time at 6-5 and wasted two match points.
The Spaniard survived and closed the tie break to introduce a decider. He trailed 4-3 before rattling off three games to emerge at the top after an incredible fight. A year later, they met in the Queen's final.
Alcaraz delivered a 6-4, 6-4 victory with two breaks on his tally, celebrating his first ATP title on the fastest surface. Their third clash came this February in the Rotterdam final.
Carlos prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 for his first indoor ATP title. He took only four points more than the Aussie. However, he stepped in and dominated the decider to emerge at the top and maintain a perfect record against the Sydney native.
ADVERTISEMENT
Their most recent duel came in Barcelona in April. Three years after their epic duel, Alcaraz secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory, losing serve two times and responding with four breaks on his tally.
