Rolex Paris Masters: “One of the most special matches I have ever played”, relishes Alcaraz returning from hell

Miraculous. At the end of a crazy match, Carlos Alcaraz ignited the Plenitude Arena, rejecting two match points, before overthrowing the American Taylor Fritz (6-7(10), 7-5, 6-3). The Spaniard reaches the final four in Paris indoors for the first time. With a smile on his face, he recounted his Remontada in front of the microphones: “I started very well, but suddenly I felt nervous. At 5-4, when serving for the first set, I was nervous. I think he started playing more solidly, a little better from the baseline. When I wasn't getting free points on serve, I had a little trouble knowing how to play from the baseline, which made it even more difficult for me. In the tie-break, I had opportunities that I was unable to seize. I made gaming choices that I regret. In the second set I felt a bit the same, the scenario was quite similar. But after saving my game at 5-3, I started to let go of all that nervousness. I started to enjoy it because I was making some really nice shots, some really nice points. Then, at 5-4, I saved several match points again thanks to passing passes and shots which, frankly, were impressive. Did I think I was lost? Did I think I could turn the situation around? Both. It was time to do what I had to do. If I had to lose, I lost, but I didn't want to feel like I could have done more or that I should have taken the offensive option, since that's how I like to play. Things turned out well. I produced some good tennis when it was needed and I'm really happy to have finally turned things around. I started to smile, to bring the energy of the audience into my game. I tried to rely on this energy and put on a bit of a show. From then on, I savored every second, every point.”

Whether I win or lose, it's still a game.

Carlos Alcaraz

Liberated, delivered, the Murcian savored this victory, almost as if he had scored a hat-trick at Roland-Garros: “This match will probably remain one of the most special I have ever played. I will remember it for a long time. Like I said, I need to understand what happened at the beginning, why I was so nervous. Once again, I understood that I simply had to enjoy these moments. Ultimately, it's just a game. Whether I win or lose, it's still a game. It's about getting on the court, having fun, playing as well as possible and putting on a show for the public. And to leave the court having made people happy, whether I won or lost. Shared happiness for the Parisian public who attended one of the best matches of the year.