Alcaraz Finds Fortune and Gives Spain the First Eliminator

Carlos Navarro | 11 Sep 2024 | 20.16

Carlos Alcaraz in action in Valencia. Source: Getty

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Carlos Alcaraz has returned to the path of victory. It was not in the most brilliant or spectacular way possible, perhaps with an ending that may leave a certain bittersweet taste in his mouth. However, the important thing, without a doubt, was to put on the national team's jersey again and contribute to a tie that Spain has already solved against the Czech Republic. After Bautista's great victory over Lehecka in the first match of the series, the national team took revenge for last year's defeat after the Murcian's triumph over Tomas Machac who had to retire due to recurring cramps (6-7(3), 6-1, 0-0, and retirement). First victory in this 2024 Davis Cup.

The truth is that it wasn't Alcaraz's day. Or, at least, not the desired start. He returned to competition with renewed energy after his early exit from the last US Open, but the version he showed on the court at times resembled that of Flushing Meadows. Erratic. Jerky. Unable to find clarity with his forehand. At the mercy of the Czech's zigzagging shots, who also mixed stretches of inconsistency with good plays. Proof of this was the way he handed over a break at the start: losing his serve to love, not hitting any first serves.

With a change of course, hierarchy, and experience, Carlitos managed to secure the tiebreak, where he made several horrendous points, bleeding errors and handing the set to Machac on a silver platter. There was no doubt that today wouldn't be the day for a dazzling performance, so Charlie, with Ferrer's help, relied on a wall-like mode and evened the match from a physical standpoint. By keeping the balls in play, varying the game with greater patience, the Murcian found his rhythm in the match... until a magical shot unleashed madness and marked a turning point in the match.

AMAZING VOLLEY AND THE TROUBLE BEGINS FOR MACHAC

A stroke of brilliance, one of those flashes that show us the caliber of tennis player Carlos Alcaraz is. That's the only way to describe the point he played to earn a break point in the fourth game of the second set, a combination of explosiveness, defensive ability, reflexes, and finesse that got the crowd on their feet and unnerved Machac. The break came right after, and that's when the Czech started his nightmare: cramps began to take over his body, preventing him from rising on each serve and forcing him to play almost standing still.

So, clearly, impossible. Machac tried to resist after receiving necessary medical attention after conceding the second set, but he knew he had waded into waters too deep to come out unscathed. Only a few points were played in the decisive set, and the Czech threw in the towel, defeated by his own body and Alcaraz's magic. There was no need for a greater effort; moreover, the retirement is great news in terms of team classification for the Spanish team, as the set is considered lost with a score of 6-0 if the game difference needs to make a distinction.

Thus, Spain starts with a 2-0 lead in a very demanding group, gets revenge for last year's events, and lays the cornerstone for the reconquest of the Davis Cup. It wasn't the most perfect performance from Carlos, who is probably not entirely satisfied with a good part of his match, but his determination and change of mindset in the second set deserve praise and represent a remarkable first step. Next appointment: Friday against France.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz encuentra la fortuna y le da a España la primera eliminatoria