For a second Max Purcell and his supporters dared to dream.
Playing a scintillating model of serve-and-volley tennis, with highly effective serving and wonderful web play, the Aussie battler threatened an upset that may have gone far past Ohio to show heads throughout the tennis world.
But actuality, and the younger Spaniard’s brilliance, intervened. And maybe fatigue after a demanding fortnight for the 25-year-old Sydneysider.
Alcaraz ultimately got here via 4-6 6-3 6-4 to maneuver into the Cincinnati Open semi-finals and a gathering with Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who earlier on Friday had ended Alexei Popyrin’s run to the final eight.
But the reigning US Open and Wimbledon champion knew he had been in a recreation.
Playing his tenth match in 12 days, plus a demanding journey throughout the forty ninth parallel, world No.70 Purcell appeared overwhelmed at 0-40 and 0-2 down within the last set.
But he held, then broke and held once more, to be 3-2 up. He led once more 4-3, however was damaged and went 4-5 down. Even then he had a break level for 5-5, however a uncommon free forehand let Alcaraz off the hook and the 20-year-old took full benefit ending the two-hour, 11-minute match with an ace.
The match had begun as anticipated, Alcaraz holding to fifteen then forcing a break level. But Purcell held, then traded video games to 3-3 earlier than pouncing on a double fault that had gifted a break level to take a 4-3 lead.
He then held to 30 twice to take the set 6-4 in 43 minutes.
Alcaraz, is a quick earner and he adjusted ways. All too quickly he was 3-0 up within the second earlier than effectively wrapping up the set.
At 2-0 the third set perceived to go the identical means, however Purcell by no means took a backward step. Alcaraz’s roar of enjoyment upon victory made it clear how onerous he had been pushed.
Nevertheless, Purcell had a lot to encourage him as he seems in direction of what will probably be solely his second look within the US Open principal draw.
Making his efficiency in Ohio much more creditable the journey to the final eight had been something however easy.
After reaching the final 32 in Toronto final week he had a touch to make qualifying in Cincinnati. With no direct flight he took an Uber to the Canadian-US border, however was left there as his driver wouldn’t cross it. Eventually he made it to Detroit, however couldn’t get a drive to Cincinnati.
He lastly bought a flight, however arrived too late to observe forward of qualifying.
Nevertheless, he received via two rounds of qualifying, then three in the principle draw throughout which he put out world No.7 Casper Rudd and former grand slam champ Stan Wawrinka. There is far to construct on.
Earlier Hurkacz beat Popyrin 6-1 7-6 (10-8).
Popyrin had misplaced to Purcell in qualifying in Ohio, however was restored to the draw as a ‘fortunate loser’. He had capitalised on his fortune to make the quarters however a gradual begin in opposition to the Pole left him chasing the match after shedding the primary set in 25 minutes.
The second set went with serve however within the tiebreak Popyrin discovered himself 1-6 down. He saved 5 match factors and compelled a set level of his personal. But Hurkacz saved it with an ace and went on to take the match.
“Alexei raised his level and was serving really good throughout that second set, I just got to the tiebreaker,” Hurkacz stated.
“I got off to a good start and then Alexei played some good points, but fortunately I battled through for that one.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
