Carlos Alcaraz survived the Taylor Fritz challenge in the second round-robin match at the ATP Finals in Turin. The Spaniard earned a 6-7, 7-5, 6-3 triumph in two hours and 48 minutes, moving closer to a place in the semi-final and the year-end no. 1 honor.
World no. 1 took the pivotal points and moved over the top after giving everything on the court. The young gun hit many great shots, giving the crowd in Turin something to cheer about.
In the eighth game of the final set, Carlos landed a perfect behind-the-back volley winner, placing it perfectly after a fine attack and earning praises from the former world no. 1, Justine Henin.
Commentating the match,the Belgian praised Alcaraz's speed and anticipation before a delicate shot and monumental execution. The Spaniard wasted three match points in that game before sealing the deal on serve in the next one.
World no. 1 had to dig deep against the dangerous opponent. He saved eight of nine break points and kept the pressure on the other side after dropping a tight opener.
Carlos secured four breaks and emerged at the top with a strong performance in the decider. He collected 47 winners and 37 minutes and outplayed his rival at the net, while Taylor had a slim lead from the baseline and in service winners.
The opening set went on for over 70 minutes. There were eight break points in the opening four games, with the two rivals exchanging breaks in games three and four. Alcaraz denied two more break points in the eighth game and remained on the positive side.
They went into a tie break, and Fritz stepped in. He claimed all points on serve and provided two mini-breaks for 7-2 and a boost. Carlos had to dig deep at 2-2 in the second set.
World no. 1 denied two break points and extended the battle. He finally made a push on the return at 6-5 and passed Taylor at the net to clinch a break at 15 and introduce a decider after two hours and ten minutes.
The Spaniard gained a boost and provided excellent serving in the final set. He drew Fritz's error in the sixth game for a break at 15 and a 4-2 advantage before holding at 30 in the next one.
The American served to stay in the match in game eight and faced three match points. He denied them and held to extend the battle. However, Carlos held at love at 5-3, sealing the deal and maintaining a perfect score in Turin.
"The speed with which Carlos came back for the previous shot is pure pleasure. It's monumental to be able to play such a delicate shot with that kind of composure," Justine Henin said.
