The clash between Tommy Paul and Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Masters was nothing short of a high-stakes showdown. With the world’s No. 1 ranking under threat and Alcaraz reeling from his previous loss to the same opponent in Canadian Open, the match was of monumental importance to Alcaraz.
The thrilling match had lived up to its expectations, yet it was a single breathtaking moment that etched itself into the chronicles of sheer brilliance. In the second set, a mesmerizing sequence unfolded, spotlighting Alcaraz’s extraordinary reflexes. During a rally in the 12th game, Alcaraz fired a crosscourt backhand passing shot, setting the stage for an electrifying exchange.
Responding with audacity, Paul unleashed a crafty drop volley near the net post. The ball, post-bounce, danced with an unpredictable and vicious side spin, defying the expectations of all the spectators including Alcaraz himself. Yet, Alcaraz’s reaction defied the odds. His lightning-quick reflexes propelled him forward, converting a near-impossible return into a sublime lob that floated over Paul’s head.
HOW ON EARTH?!?! 🤯
Crazy moments towards the end of the second set between @carlosalcaraz & @tommypaul1!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/RFUcxXfxrr
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 17, 2023
The crowd gasped in unison, witnessing a feat that surpassed the realms of ordinary tennis. The lob landed just inches inside the baseline and Paul’s futile scramble only emphasized the sheer brilliance of Alcaraz’s audacious return.
With his racket raised high, Alcaraz basked in the thunderous applause of the crowd, who were awestruck at how Alcaraz managed to win a near-impossible point. Social media, too, went berserk.
Tommy Paul hitting one of the nastiest sidespin volleys you’ll ever see and still losing the point because, well, Carlos Alcaraz pic.twitter.com/4tEUzcWn1f
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 17, 2023
90 % pleyers would have lost this point after that nasty spin…carlito is elite
— Anurag (@Anuragbroome) August 18, 2023
Despite weather delays during the match and Alcaraz’s recovery from a Toronto setback, the resilient Spanish dynamo managed to square his head-to-head with Tommy Paul to two-all. The grueling battle raged for three hours and ten minutes, culminating in an exhilarating victory for Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz was watching Rocky IV during the rain break at Cincinnati
Carlos Alcaraz has interesting ways to keep his focus and aggression intact during rain delays, as happened twice during his match with Tommy Paul. When queried about maintaining focus amidst the weather delays, Alcaraz, on a lighter note, revealed that he engages in playful banter with his teammates. However, as the match time draws nearer, he shifts his attention back to the task at hand.
While waiting for the weather to clear during his face-off against Tommy Paul, Alcaraz shed light on what he did. In his post-match interview, he revealed the conversation he had with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. They strategized to launch into the match aggressively while utilizing the short warm-up period effectively.
Actually watching rocky IV training 🤓💪🏻
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) August 18, 2023
He said, “We were talking, Juan Carlos and me, that I have to start very well, very aggressive… stay focused, stay, let’s say, good.” Alcaraz further shared that he enjoyed watching clips from the Rocky movie during breaks. The spirited determination depicted in the film resonated with his on-court fighting qualities. He exclaimed, “Of course, help a lot to watch videos about Rocky…(smiling).”
Looking back on his second showdown with Paul in over a week, Alcaraz unveiled the strategy he adapted to tackle the faster conditions compared to his Canadian Open experience, “I tried different things. I tried to play more aggressive.” He signed off by saying that he didn’t miss much and was more solid today.