Carlos Alcaraz overcame a dangerous match against Italy’s Fabio Fognini in three sets (6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4) in the Rio Open second round duel.
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The best match of the day in Rio de Janeiro, where the top seed and the current defending champion meet the finalist a few numbers back. Carlos Alcaraz He jumped back into the Quadra Guga Kuerten after his debut, winning in straight sets but leaving doubts against local Mateus Alves. It should be noted that this is only the second event of the season for the Murcians after the victory in Buenos Aires. Fabio Fognini, the 2015 Rio Open finalist, had been looking to improve his feelings a bit after losing the first games of the year. In the first round, he defeated the Chilean Tomás Barrios Vera in two sets.
They had already met for the second time, with Alcaraz leads the record 1-0. This duel just took place in the semifinals of the Rio Open 2022.
Alcaraz takes the weight match
A better start to the game for Carlitos who got a break in the first game and began to dominate what looked to be a very favorable duel. Murcian himself would have a chance to make it 4-0, but there Fabio managed to save the situation. From there, everything went into an atmosphere of irregularity, but at the same time a very good level of tennis. Three breaks in a row, so the situation is tied at 4-4. Now it was time for the Italian to dominate, who got 5-4 and an assist. Alcaraz got the break back but gave up serve again, leading Fognini to win 6-5. But after another break, Carlitos brought things to a tiebreak. There in the semi-final, Fabio turned 2-4 and won the set 7-5.
In the second set, the Italian suffered from discomfort in his right ankle, which was injured towards the end of the game in Buenos Aires. A slight decrease in intensity for Fabio was used by Alcaraz, who attacked there, making two consecutive breaks with a big 4-0 score. Better planted Carlitos stayed big 6-2 with this sleeve.
Once again, everything started very favorably for the Spaniard, who saw how difficult the match had been dismantled. After Carlos’ two breaks, the lead was 3-0. But Fognini’s break recovery left things hanging by a thread. Everything was possible. Although each match became a hard fought battle, there are no breaks left during the match. In the end, Alcaraz was able to make the final numbers 6-4.
