PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 01: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a backhand against Ben Shelton of United … More
When Jose Mourinho won the Premier League with Chelsea FC in 2015, he spoke about his admiration for tennis stars. “I have a special respect for the players because I think it’s not enough that they are physical or technical, it’s maybe the most important thing the mental point of view. ” At the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz appears to be reading from the Mourinho book of tennis truths after beating Ben Shelton 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round on Sunday.
“Honestly, today I fought against myself in the mind,” Alcaraz said immediately after the match on Court Philippe Chatrier. “I just tried to calm myself – in some moments I was mad. I was angry with myself, talking not good things. I’m happy that I didn’t let that thought play against me.” Mourinho referenced how a “lonely” man or woman is responsible for their success or defeat on the court. Footballers can hide behind each other. Alcaraz chose to suffer and survive in what was his 100th ATP clay-court victory.
In some ways, the match with Shelton mirrored his topsy-turvy four-set win over Damir Dzumhur in the third round. The 22-year-old admitted to TNT Sports that he can find it difficult on court. “Sometimes it is difficult to have fun on the court, I have to suffer. It depends on the opponent as well.”
There were plenty of uncomfortable moments for the defending champion against Shelton’s heavy-duty serve and artillery in what was a high-quality match. The 13th seed had three set points in the first set tiebreak, serving up 143 mph howitzers and crunching 116mph forehands. He then had six break points in the first game of the second set. Ultimately, he snatched the third set and threatened a bigger comeback until the Spaniard managed to contain the mini-crisis.
Alcaraz has all the talent, all the shots and all the momentum after his recent victory in the Italian Open against Jannik Sinner. He has a knack for finding difficulty in the early rounds of majors though. His one hundred percent record in Slam finals shields the fact that getting to the last business day has often caused more palpitations for his team and supporters. Alcaraz conceded only four games in the first two sets against Dzumhur on Friday, but was then in danger of being pulled into a five-set marathon as the Bosnian became more aggressive.
It almost happened again on Sunday against the American. Next on the agenda for the four-time major winner is another Stars and Stripes hopeful Tommy Paul. Paul gave Sinner a huge fright in the Rome semifinals. The World No. 12 was a set and a break up against Alcaraz in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year before the Murcia man found the solutions.
The Spaniard lives on the edge a bit more than Sinner. It’s an exhausting and exhilarating watch. Alcaraz’s three-set demolition job over Novak Djokovic to retain his SW19 title was probably the most consistent and surefire performance he has delivered.
It’s a rollercoaster that usually ends with the World No. 2 still strapped in but jolted. He’s often the equivalent of Rory McIlroy – a streaky player capable of a wonderful burst as shown at the end of the second set. On the other hand, Alcaraz will not be going a decade without another big title.
Alcaraz is a man who is ready to embrace the scary moments. He admitted as much in his Paris semi-final against Sinner last year. “You have to find the joy in suffering, that’s the key,” Alcaraz mused after coming through in five sets with enough ups and downs to keep everyone on edge. For all the brilliance, he can create a drama that appears unnecessary and unexpected. It’s a mix of absolutely stunning tennis followed by a drop in intensity where focus fades and the opponent revives.
Alcaraz has survived some scares in the first working week in Paris. He will need to shut the door quicker on more dangerous rivals to get to the endgame.
