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.
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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.