Alcaraz Keeps Up With Djokovic And Reaches Maiden Olympics Quarter-Final
Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenging opponent in Roman Safiullin during the 2024 Paris Olympics quarter-finals but managed to secure a straightforward victory. Although Safiullin is not typically known for his prowess on clay, he found exceptional form in Paris, winning two matches as the underdog before facing Alcaraz. However, Alcaraz, who has been brilliant in…
Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenging opponent in Roman Safiullin during the 2024 Paris Olympics quarter-finals but managed to secure a straightforward victory. Although Safiullin is not typically known for his prowess on clay, he found exceptional form in Paris, winning two matches as the underdog before facing Alcaraz. However, Alcaraz, who has been brilliant in Paris this year, continued his stellar performance against the Russian.
Alcaraz’s early break against Safiullin, a player known for his strong serve, was crucial. Not only did it give him the lead, but it also affected Safiullin’s confidence, a vital element in tennis. Alcaraz’s confidence was evident as he approached the match with the mindset that his opponent could do little against him, and he was right.
Alcaraz took an early 3-0 lead, appearing flawless at the start of the match. Despite Safiullin’s strong performance in previous rounds, he struggled initially, committing six unforced errors in the first four games of the opening set. In contrast, Alcaraz hit six winners in the same period. Although Safiullin managed to break back once to make it 1-3, Alcaraz maintained his composure, winning his next service game for a 4-2 lead.
The first set remained competitive, with both players holding their serves. Alcaraz ultimately won the set 6-4, capitalizing on Safiullin’s slow start to gain a double-break lead. Even as the Russian stabilized his play, Alcaraz’s early advantage proved crucial in clinching the set.
In the second set, Alcaraz once again took an early break to lead 1-0. Safiullin, known for his streaky play, struggled to match Alcaraz’s superior hitting and movement on the court. The Russian’s serve, a potential weapon, failed to trouble Alcaraz, who returned effectively and maintained pressure. Alcaraz remained comfortable on his serve, rarely facing issues, and secured another break to lead 5-1. From there, he easily closed out the match, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Overall, Alcaraz’s dominance and consistency were evident as he advanced to the quater-finals, continuing his impressive run in Paris.
