Carlos Alcaraz started his Shanghai debut with a convincing straight-set victory. He only spent an hour and 40 minutes in his match against Gregoire Barrere. It is usually the shots which make the crowd cheer for Alcaraz. The intensity he brings to the game makes him different from others. However, this time, it was different; after a high-powered battle, Alcaraz dedicated his win to a friend.
The Spaniard’s win was dedicated to Jose Manuel Madrona. He has been working for a long time at the Ferrero tennis academy. Madrona was involved in a serious accident where he lost one of his legs. Alcaraz wrote on the camera, saying, “Madrona, this victory is for you.” His act of love for his friend touched the fans. “Carlitos, always genuinely thoughtful,” a fan said after the match was over.
Carlos Alcaraz dedicated his win over Barrère to José Manuel Madroza, who has long worked at the Ferrero Tennis Academy.
2 weeks ago, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that almost cost him his life. He lost one of his legs in the accident.
“Madrona, this victory is for… pic.twitter.com/UvPlUVjYRz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 7, 2023
Carlitos, always genuinely thoughtful. ❤
— Cee ❤🎾🇵🇭 (@cranberry_Cee) October 8, 2023
I didn’t know what it meant today, but know I do, I offer my support, Dave,
— patrick Nangle (@septg24) October 7, 2023
Alcaraz will now face Daniel Evans for a place in the fourth round. Evans has only managed to win a single set in their past three meetings. The pair had played at the US Open a month ago, where Alcaraz won in four sets. This time, the crowd will be fully against Evans, especially after the mocking injury incident at the China Open
Carlos Alcaraz focusing on mental strength at Shanghai Masters
Alcaraz has now lost in the semifinals of the last two events he played. At the China Open, he could only win a single game in the second set against Jannik Sinner. Now, the 20-year-old feels that his mind needs some strengthening. He said that sometimes he struggles to be mentally strong and is working on that part. Alcaraz went on to say that he did a bit of homework after losing to Sinner in Beijing.
The 2-time grand slam champion is the top seed at the Shanghai Masters 1000. With Daniil Medvedev out of the event, there are chances of a Sinner and Alcaraz final. The world No.2 needs to be at his best this time to win the title in Shanghai. Alcaraz’s on-court abilities have always been sharp, and now he will work on the mental part to connect the dots.
First win ✅! 😊🔝😎🚀 @SH_RolexMasters
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/gYwWR4yKiP
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) October 7, 2023
Alcaraz is already one of the most mature players on tour. He has played 70 matches this season and is nowhere near exhausted. The hectic tour does get to the head, but the former world No.1 keeps on going ahead in the game.