Archive of posts tagged Jos

Carlos Alcaraz faces Damir Dzumhur in Cincinnati. Another thriller coming?

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Alcaraz

World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will chase his first Cincinnati Masters title. The Spaniard starts his campaign against Damir Dzumhur, returning to action for the first time since losing his first Major final to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.

Carlos and Damir embraced a thriller at Roland Garros two months ago, and maybe we can see another tight duel between them in Ohio. The Spaniard and the Bosnian faced in the third round in Paris.

The favorite prevailed 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours and 14 minutes en route to the last 16. Alcaraz controlled the pace in the opening two sets before losing his vibe and struggling in the remaining two.

Dzumhur took the pivotal points of the third set and forged a 3-1 advantage in the fourth, using the defending champion's shaky period. However, Carlos woke up and grabbed five of the final six games to emerge at the top and avoid a decider. 

The Spaniard admitted he did not know what to do in the third set, losing ground and struggling to overcome an inspired opponent. However, he found improvements and wrapped up a challenging duel in style. 

Alcaraz played against 12 break points and saved nine. He generated 21 chances on the return and converted seven, including ones in the pivotal moments. The Spaniard hit 52 winners and 44 unforced errors.

Damir Dzumhur & Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025

Damir Dzumhur & Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot

 

World no. 2 saved two break points in the first game of the duel and secured back-to-back breaks en route to 6-1 in under half an hour. Damir lost serve at 1-1 in the second set and fell behind. 

The Bosnian served to stay in the set at 3-5 and played another loose service game, propelling his rival two sets to love in front. Dzumhur raised his level in the third set.

He secured a break in the seventh game and disturbed the rival's momentum. Damir denied six break points in games eight and ten, wrapping up the set 6-4 and gaining a boost.

Carlos made his position even more challenging after losing serve at the beginning of the fourth set. He trailed 3-1 before erasing the deficit with a break in game six.

Carlos Alcaraz, Cincinnati 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, Cincinnati 2023© Stream screenshot

 

The Spaniard secured the seventh game after a deuce and moved in front. The defending champion made another push on the return at 4-3 and delivered another break to rattle off four games and extend the gap. 

Alcaraz served for the win at 5-3 and suffered a break to keep his rival in contention. However, Dzumhur experienced another break at 4-5, propelling the favorite into the last 16.

Washington: Alex de Minaur saves three MPs, edges Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Alex de Minaur secured his tenth ATP title in Washington. The Aussie earned a memorable 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 victory over his coeval, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in three hours and three minutes!

The Spaniard had everything in his hands while chasing his first ATP title. He led 5-2 in the decider and served for the win at 5-3. He got broken, missed three match points on the return at 5-4 and suffered a heartbreaking loss that left him in tears.

The Aussie claimed 11 points more thanks to the second set. He played better behind the first serve and took the pivotal points to emerge at the top after a thriller.

Alex denied five of eight break points, including those three match points. He secured four breaks from nine chances, two in the second set. They sprayed over 100 unforced errors. 

De Minaur had the upper hand in service winners, from the baseline and at the net, earning his victory in style. They stayed neck and neck in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, and the better-ranked player made the difference in the most extended ones.

They battled for over an hour in the opening set. They traded breaks in games three and four and stayed neck and neck until 5-5. The Aussie missed a game point in game 11 and suffered a break after a backhand error. 

Alex de Minaur, Washington 2025

Alex de Minaur, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Davidovich Fokina saved a break point at 6-5 and wrapped up the first part of the duel with a smash winner. De Minaur took charge in the second set, serving well and keeping the pressure on the other side. 

He secured an early break in the second game and provided another break for 5-1. Alex fired an ace in the seventh game, closing the set in style and forcing a decider after an hour and 42 minutes.

Alejandro stepped in and produced four fine holds. He attacked on the return in game four and landed a backhand crosscourt winner for a break and a 3-1 advantage. The Spaniard held in game seven and moved 5-2 in front. 

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

However, he failed to serve out for the title at 5-3, spraying a forehand error and allowing his rival to extend the battle. De Minaur faced the ultimate challenge on his serve at 4-5 after squandering game points.

The Aussie played against three match points, denying two with winners and the third with a forced error. He held for 5-5 and gained a boost ahead of the tie break. They traded four mini-breaks i the opening seven points. 

Alejandro missed a forehand at 3-4 and experienced another mini-break after netting a routine forehand. De Minaur seized the first match point at 6-3 with an ace, sealing the deal and lifting his tenth ATP trophy after a turnaround.