And here we go. Incredible point from Alcaraz! Tiafoe has two chances to volley at the net but Alcaraz succeeds both times and scores with a backhand for 2-0. He raises his fist several times with pleasure.
He then sends Tiafoe to both corners with increasing intensity, sending him in the wrong direction as he curls a winner past a helpless Tiafoe for 3-0. Then he goes to the net, questionable shot selection from Tiafoe, lobs long and Alcaraz leads 4-0.
He looks like a different beast right now, the Spaniard. Ace. 5-0. He’s absolutely decisive. Then Alcaraz hits a forehand too hard, 5-1, but turning in response to Alcaraz’s inside-out shot, Tiafoe appeared to hurt his knee.
With a black brace tight on his right knee after injuring knee ligaments at Queen’s, Tiafoe cried out in pain before lying on the ground for about 30 seconds. Eventually, he got back up, prompting cheers from the crowd. Alcaraz athletically checked to make sure he was OK.
But it doesn’t seem to have affected him too much there! Great drop shot, Alcaraz runs in a burst, Tiafoe curls a lob in an easy arc over the Spaniard and down the line. What a point. 5-2 Alcaraz, but Alcaraz has the serve.
Second massive serve, wide return, 6-2, four set points…
