Alcaraz revealed the key in the closed triumph against Rublev: “I kept mentally strong”

The Spanish Carlos Alcaraz (2nd world) Andrey Rublev (11th) defeated in three sets to gain the classification to the semifinals of Cincinnati’s 1000 Masters. The finalist in the 2023 edition suffered in some sections of development but clung to his positive mentality to keep the victory.

After a first seamless set, the Spanish gave the game initiative and the Moscow grew to take the story to the decisive set. Successes on one side and the other, The slaughter was defined in the last duty of Rublev servicewho could not hold the serve and was eliminated after committing a double lack of foul.

At a press conference, the 22-year-old Spanish, champion of four Grand Slam tournaments and silver medalist at the Tokyo 2024 Olympic Games, valued his triumph 6-3, 4-6 and 7-5 and He highlighted the positive aspects of his game.

“I am happy for the mobility I had, for the tennis that I played by the way I hit the ball before a great hitter like Rublev. I have also kept mentally strong and with positive thoughts, especially when I have not been able to close the game with my serve“said Juan Carlos Ferrero’s pupil, who received a” key “indication from his second Coach Samuel López on the closure of Match.

“It was a very matched game and decided on details. Andrey played an incredible game, especially with his first service. In the previous meetings, his second service gave me time to hit the ball better because it was slower, however, today that second serve was faster than normal and was more complicated to subtract,” said Carlitos praising the performance of his adversary.

At the same time, the Murcian, winner of Beijing, Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and Queen’s this season, said he felt comfortable with the atmosphere in the stadium and said: “When you lose the focus against a player like him can cost you the game. But I was always positive. One of my goals before entering the court is to be concentrated 100% during the whole match That I feel more proud “, in reference to the moments of turbulence that went through when it served for a game in 5-3 and could not convert first services.

The spectacular Spanish tennis player reached his 82nd triumph in events of this caliber, He celebrated in 37 of his last 39 commitments and got 12 ° opportunity among the four best in the category. His next opponent will be the German Alexander Zverev (3rd).

All Cincinnati 1000 Masters activity can be followed live by Disney+.