Alcaraz is crowned in Vienna after giving a recital before De Minaur

During one of the breaks, the Radetzky March by Johann Strauss Sr. plays. As is mandatory, the public accompanies her with clapping. Yes, the scene is in Vienna but not at the New Year's concert. The one who is offering a recital is Carlos Alcaraz. Overpowering from the start, tempering the game later and accelerating at the end. The Murcian was crowned in the Austrian capital after defeating the tough Australian Alex de Miñaur 6-1 and 6-4 in 1 hour and 27 minutes. It is his fourth title of the year after the Australian Open and the Doha and Tokyo tournaments and is confirmation that the Spaniard has regained his hunger for tennis after four months of wrist injury.

The face to face between the two was very clear and now it is even more so. Seven matches and seven wins for Alcaraz. Between the fact that De Minaur's game suits the Murcian like a glove and that the Australian had just suffered a beating in the semifinals against Zverev, the start of the match was monochromatic. 4-0 at the start for the one from El Palmar, who changed directions and increased the pace of the rallies to overwhelm De Miñaur, who seemed a little lacking in spark. His legs were heavy and passing balls was not enough for him. Although Alcaraz suffered some setbacks more than necessary, his game, in general, was much superior. He moved his opponent as he wanted and won the first chapter of the match in just 35 minutes. “Commanding, commanding,” his coach, Samuel López, encouraged him.

But De Minaur is not a player who gives up easily or who gives a lot away. So he didn't throw in the towel and what he did was take more risks, attack better and hit the ball harder. Unfortunately, the game was already against him. Well, there was some option. His strategy served to make the second set more even. Alcaraz no longer took all the exchanges, he no longer passed the steamroller. Of course, he also had no difficulties serving and barely conceded a break point in the entire match.

On the other hand, De Minaur suffered unspeakably not to lose serve. He was moving forward but always at the limit, until he gave up the break to sign his defeat. The last point summarized Alcaraz's repertoire. Drop shot, lob and right cross to win the title for the first time in Vienna and add to his record with his 28th win in 37 finals. “I am very happy, I have to thank my work team for making me enjoy tennis again and forget a little about the stress,” said Alcaraz.

By the way, he did a small favor for Rafa Jódar in his fight to enter the ATP finals. The Madrid native, in the race of the year, is now just one point behind De Minaur. In addition, Jódar will today be the tenth player in the world, the first to enter the Top 10 in his debut as a professional. Great news for Spanish tennis.