Carlos Alcaraz praised for classy act after rival's scary moment
The 19-year-old Spaniard showed all his class during the Rio Open.
Carlos Alcaraz has shown class in a tight battle against Fabio Fognini after the Italian took a heavy fall during their round of 16 match in Rio De Janeiro. Alcaraz endured his toughest battle yet since his return from a four-month layoff as he defeated the enigmatic Fognini on clay 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz lost the first set in a tough tiebreak, before the 19-year-old bounced back in emphatic fashion to level the match after racing through the second 6-2.
'I KNOW': Novak Djokovic shuts down ugly furore around Aus Open drama
HEARTBREAKING: Jelena Dokic responds to question about online bullying
While the match was in the balance, Alcaraz stepped up and was able to break early to hold off for a tough three-set victory against Fognini. The match was played in good spirits and once such moment epitomised the sportsmanship from the young teenager.
In the second set, Alcaraz used his trademark drop shot to bring Fognini into the net. However, the Italian couldn't make it and lost his footing as he took a heavy tumble.
Fognini looked in pain as he momentarily stayed on the ground. Alcaraz noticed the fall and quickly ran around the net to check on the Italian.
The Spaniard helped Fognini to his feet, before fetching his racquet. The crowd cheered for Alcaraz who was showing such class for a young player. "That could have been very, very nasty," the commentator said of Fognini's slide and fall.
Tennis world lauds Carlos Alcaraz
Fans were quick to praise Alcaraz for showing such class during the heat of battle. Others continued to laud Alcaraz's level of tennis having only played six matches since his return from a long injury lay-off, which saw him miss the Australian Open.
I love him so much 💚
— Gaelen (@GaelenBet) February 24, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz survives his toughest test of the season so far (6-0 in 2023) -- a very good version of former top 10 Fabio Fognini: 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, almost 3 hours, to reach the QFs in Rio, where he is the defending champ.
Next? Djere or Lajovic -- he beat both last week. pic.twitter.com/GjZbsqYLuJ— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 24, 2023
Isso é tênis!🤝#RioOpen #Alcaraz #Fognini pic.twitter.com/aX3WkyTQcJ
— Rio Open (@RioOpenOficial) February 24, 2023
This Fognini v. Alcaraz match at the @RioOpenOficial is nuts 🤯
So. Much. Fun. #RioOpen pic.twitter.com/gaSI2IsKLb— Andrew Ghai (@AndrewGhai) February 24, 2023
Heart and fight of a champion. Didnt play his best but found a way. How long can he keep the undefeated run going?
— absolutelyEpic137 (@JamesWa27499214) February 24, 2023
You're a Good Man, Charlie Alcaraz!
Tennis's boy king, Carlos Alcaraz, keeps his eyes on the prize in Rio, winning a topsy turvy tussle with Fabio Fognini, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz's win here last year officially upgraded him from "Future Star" to "Clear & Present Danger." 💪 pic.twitter.com/A1FUkDfpXc— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) February 24, 2023
The US Open champion's next opponent will be a Serbian player - either Laslo Djere or Dusan Lajovic, who play later Thursday. The 19-year-old Alcaraz is playing his second tournament since he was sidelined for four months due to a right leg injury. In Rio, though, Alcaraz has been far less dominant against both rivals he has faced - No.556 Mateus Alves, who Alcaraz beat 6-4, 6-4 and now a three-set battle against World No.86 Fognini.
Alcaraz is also in a unique situation. If the 19-year-old Spaniard is able to defend the The Rio Open he will go level with Novak Djokovic on ranking points.
However, Djokovic will remain World No.1 because he has won more mandatory events. These include grand slams and ATP 1000 events.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
