Carlos Alcaraz struck first in the new year. Although it was an exhibition, held in South Korea,the Spaniard tipped the balance in his favor against Jannik Sinner, winning 7-5, 7-6(6) in one hour and 48 minutes. This allows him to arrive at the Australian Open with maximum confidence in what was the first match of Samuel Lopez as head coach of the six-time Grand Slam champion. The curious trophy was a personalized racket although it was not solid gold like the one in Riyadh.
Sinner had won the last two meetings between the two: the final of the Six Kings Slam and the ATP Finals in Turin. This time it was Alcaraz who adapted better to the playing conditions.
The organization of the friendly match in Incheonset up a carpet court at the Inspire Arena that the two best tennis players on the planet had never encountered before. The ATP banned it in 2009. This made it difficult for them to move around and gave Sinner a scare when he slipped in the middle of the first set.
Only one break in the match
The speed of the synthetic installation meant that there were hardly any rallies and only one service break was achieved. It was for Carlitos in the 12th game of the opening set and that gave him the first advantage on the scoreboard
In the continuation, the equality was maintained until sudden death. Curiously, there was the presence of a young Korean on the court, at Sinner’s invitation, who was able to win a point against the world number one. It counted in the score
Jannik had a second set ball to level the score. It was in the tie-break. His executioner slammed the door on him with an immense serve.
What happens from January 18 at Melbourne Park will have nothing to do with what was seen in South Korea. There, Sinner will defend his champion’s crown against an Alcaraz who will seek to be the youngest to complete the Grand Slam
The two protagonists will fly to Australia today and on Sunday they already have a training session at the Rod Laver Arena. The first major tournament is approaching. As the top two seeds, they will only be able to meet in a hypothetical final.
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