Carlitos finishes strong?
It was really better everywhere at Alcaraz during the last match, it's an XXL test that awaits him now and we will be able to gauge whether or not the unplayable Carlitos is back.
Match conditions : central court, hard indoor, 2:30 p.m.
H2H : 2/2, after two quick victories for Carlos this year it was Medvedev who won the last confrontation without changing his tactical approach.
State of form: End of the season on the knees for Alcaraz who looks mentally worn out as well, and yet. We saw the excellent Carlos again during his victory against Rublev, much more energetic and combative, simple burst or regain of form? On Medvedev's side it's ultra strong at the end of the season and his start to the Masters confirms it, he's the one who made the strongest impression on me after the first two matches.
Comfort in the tournament : 1st participation for Carlos, after an average first round he has seriously raised his level of play and is making his mark. Daniil has already won this tournament and is playing extremely well this week!
Strengths weaknesses : the triple C of Carlos characterizes him, Cabeza, Corazon y Cojones. He had lost this "fire" a little in recent weeks with extreme mental fatigue but during the last match I saw this desire and this pair of balls again. His forehand comes out of the racket much better and he has regained lucidity. On the Medvedev side, aka the wall, it's softer in the game but just as effective. When he is in his comfort zone he is a metronome, he will not make a mistake and it takes a lot to surpass him. Small downside on his second ball which he hits as hard as his first most of the time and as a result he makes a lot of double faults.
Match up : not really to Daniil's advantage, Alcaraz knows how to do so much that it moves him out of his comfort zone and forces him to come forward or move other than laterally. Medvedev has no plan B in his game and when the match starts to get away from him he can't do much about it. This meeting will largely depend on Carlos in my opinion, he is the one who has the weapons to win but we will have to be 100% to bring down this Medvedev.
Personal opinion : match up for Alcaraz but if we take away his victory against Rublev yesterday he has not been reassuring at all for several weeks. Medvedev is solid and is already well into his tournament, even if the opposition is not great for him he is confident in a tournament that he has already won, a big poster who will keep his promises!
Bets to consider: Medvedev victory, over games, over set!
