Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his ATP Qatar Open campaign with a gritty win against Marin Cilic on Monday, proving even tennis superstars aren’t immune to Mother Nature’s curveballs. The match, played under swirling winds that turned rallies into chaos, saw the 21-year-old Spaniard dig deep to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
🔑 *Key Moment*: A marathon 18-minute game in the first set gave Alcaraz the break he needed, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. The gen-Z star later pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback in the second set, rallying from 40-0 down to seal the deal in style.
💬 “The wind felt like a third player out there!” Alcaraz joked post-match. “But staying calm and trusting my shots made the difference. Beating a legend like Cilic? Huge confidence boost.”
Next up: A thrilling showdown with either China’s Zhang Zhizhen or Italy’s Luca Nardi. Will Alcaraz breeze through the next round? Stay tuned! 🚀
Reference(s):
Alcaraz beats Cilic in windswept opening round match at ATP Qatar Open
cgtn.com