Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca was eliminated by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraznumber 1 in the world, on Friday (20), in the second round of the Miami Masters 1000, the first official clash between the two players.
The match, undoubtedly the most anticipated of the day, was won by Alcaraz with a double 6-4after 1 hour and 35 minutes of play.
The Spaniard’s favoritism was confirmed on the main court of the Hard Rock Stadium, where a large Brazilian crowd created a vibrant atmosphere, more reminiscent of a football stadium than a tennis court.
Alcaraz, already a seasoned veteran at 22, remained steadfast in the face of chants of “Fonseca, Fonseca” coming from the opposing fans. On the contrary: he seemed to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Spaniard showed the distance that still separates him from his 19-year-old opponent. Employing his vast repertoire of strikes, he intelligently neutralized his opponent’s dangerous right hand, varying height, speed and effects. He also knew how to play better in the decisive moments of the match.
In the third game of the first set, he took advantage of his first break point with a beautiful right cross return to take the lead.
Fonseca tried to react, but Alcaraz accelerated the pace whenever he felt his advantage was threatened, ending up closing the first set with a spectacular game in which he didn’t lose any points.
The Brazilian fans encouraged Fonseca and continued to believe in victory, but the prodigy from El Palmar stepped on the accelerator once again, guaranteeing an immediate break in the second set, sealed with a beautiful left.
Fonseca remained firm in the match and won a break point in the sixth game, but returned Alcaraz’s second serve directly into the net.
With the danger removed, the world number 1 focused on the games in which he served and did not face any more difficulties until he qualified for the third round.
*With information from AFP
