Carlos Alcaraz’s Gonzo Shotmaking Style
Carlos Alcaraz’s approach to shotmaking is adventurous; he often goes for risky winners even when safer options are available. This makes him a thrilling player to watch at his best, while at times he can appear ineffectual, almost as if a potted plant might play better. During his first-set tiebreak against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Italian Open final, Alcaraz initially seemed to have listened to his critics by playing more conservatively. He took a 4-2 lead with a backhand that induced an error, complemented by several strong serves. It was effective but lacked the flair usually associated with his game.
A Return to Form
After switching sides, Alcaraz reverted to his usual style, committing a double fault and hitting a poor forehand. However, on set point, he delivered a stunning play. He took control, even with Sinner’s first serve, unleashing deep forehands that pushed Sinner back, and then hit a backhand down the line. Moving to the net, he executed a delicate volley against his forward momentum. This moment encapsulated his signature style, allowing him to win the tiebreak and dominate the second set, clinching his first Italian Open title.
Jannik Sinner’s Journey
Sinner, who recently returned from a three-month doping ban following a settlement with WADA, demonstrated excellent form in Rome leading up to the final. Prior to facing Alcaraz, he won 10 of 11 sets against formidable opponents and had notably defeated top-10 player Casper Ruud with ease. Though Sinner appeared near invincible before the final, Alcaraz’s performance in the second set showed he could match and exceed this dominance.
Alcaraz’s Commanding Performance
In the second set, Sinner’s first serve faltered, allowing Alcaraz to showcase his dazzling footwork and shot-making. He hit angled backhands that pushed Sinner to the edge of the court and made spectacular winners from difficult positions. Despite Sinner’s natural ability, where Alcaraz often faltered, he was still able to deliver fewer winning shots compared to Alcaraz’s barrage of creativity and flair.
Head-to-Head Dynamics
With this latest victory, Alcaraz extends his lead over Sinner in their head-to-head to 7-4, having won their last four encounters. This match not only ended Sinner’s 26-match winning streak but also highlighted that Sinner struggles to maintain his superiority against Alcaraz, especially on clay. Although Sinner has a robust game, he seems to falter when challenged by Alcaraz’s unorthodox style.
Reevaluating Strategies
For Sinner to turn the tide, he may need to take on more risks, similar to Alcaraz’s audacious gameplay. In the first set, Sinner attempted a high-risk shot on potential set points but missed significantly, signaling a possible lack of practice under pressure. Alcaraz compels Sinner to step outside his comfort zone, weaving an engaging narrative between two evolving styles of play.
Alcaraz’s Resilient Mindset
Boasting a 15-1 record this clay season, Alcaraz appears to have moved past his prior inconsistency. After struggling with the pressures of ranking, he has shifted his focus to enjoying the game itself, exemplified by his win over Jack Draper, where he emphasized the importance of happiness on the court. By the conclusion of his match with Sinner, he displayed an impressive array of shots, embodying the joy of his craft.
