Carlos Alcaraz won the Cincinnati Open Semi-Final against Alexander Zverev on Saturday, August 16. Alcaraz dominated and got a straight-set victory, 6-4, 6-3, to reach the final. But the focus soon became not on the outcome but the seeming severity of Zverev’s health concerns. With the US Open approaching, and with his planned mixed-doubles appearance with Belinda Bencic scheduled for Tuesday, doubts now surround his fitness and availability.
The No. 3-ranked German star battled his way against Alcaraz, the world No. 2, but indications of physical discomfort were already apparent long before the match was over. Zverev took a medical break in the second set, and while many were anticipating that he would retire, he rather played through the discomfort.
After the match concluded, Alcaraz expressed his concern for Zverev’s health and mentioned that it wasn’t easy playing against him in such a tough situation.
“It’s never easy playing against someone that you know is not feeling 100 per cent. It’s even tougher when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person off the court. We have a really good relationship,” Alcaraz said
“We started the match really good, playing good rallies, a good level of tennis, but then all of a sudden he started to feel bad. And then my focus, I was thinking about how he’s feeling, besides focusing on myself and playing good tennis. It was a really difficult situation for me and I just wish him all the best.”
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Carlos Alcaraz will now focus on highly anticipated Cincinnati final against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Monday. The match follows up what has been one of the most exciting rivalries in tennis today.
