Fritz, seeded sixth and the 2024 tournament finalist, played on par with Alcaraz throughout much of their captivating encounter. However, Alcaraz, characteristically, elevated his game to shift the match’s momentum.
The initial four games, spanning 30 minutes, established the match’s intensity, with both players trading breaks during extended service games.
Fritz, who had previously defeated Alcaraz indoors at the Laver Cup in September, missed two opportunities to break in the eighth game. Despite this, he maintained pressure and ultimately secured the tie-break, rightfully claiming the first set after 70 minutes.
Alcaraz clinched a vital service hold after an eighth deuce in an enthralling 14-minute fifth game of the second set, acknowledging the crowd’s support by gesturing to his ear after saving two break points.
Fritz successfully navigated his first challenge of the second set, securing a crucial hold to level the score at 4-4. However, his resistance faltered four games later when, seemingly unexpectedly, a rare double fault contributed to a 0-40 deficit, which Alcaraz swiftly capitalized on.
Fritz remained competitive with his opponent, achieving a 75% first serve percentage for the match. Nevertheless, Alcaraz fully exploited the eventual decline in Fritz’s level.
Alcaraz broke serve to take a 4-2 lead and then aimed for a stylish finish, executing a remarkable overhead backhand drop shot to earn a third match point on Fritz’s serve.
Fritz justly received the crowd’s appreciation for his resilience in the match, but Alcaraz, playing with fluidity, served out the match to love.
“It was a close match. I felt like I was struggling more than he was,” Alcaraz commented.
“I felt truly relieved after winning because of the physical demands I faced. I am really glad that I managed to come back and discover areas where I had an edge.”
