Masters Cup 2025: Now Alcaraz starts on the right foot and surpasses debut with De Miñaur | Tennis | Sports

Carlos Alcaraz finishes his performance, celebrates it and discovers a different horizon: to win or not to win on the first day, two different worlds. Speed ​​up or slow down. He resisted him. In 2023 it was Alexander Zverev and a year ago the stumble came with Casper Ruud, but this time it is very different. There is no misstep involved. On this occasion, a decisive and resounding debut, more than enough to defeat the resigned Alex de Miñaur (7-6(5) and 6-2, at 1h 40m) and thus add the first point on the scoreboard of this Masters Cup. Arms and thumbs up, the number two in the world starts in tune and discounting: he is just two victories away from securing the throne at the end of the course.

“I’m very happy with the way I’ve been playing, I’ve been very focused. Alex is always a difficult opponent. In the second set the nervousness went away and I was able to enjoy it more, playing with my style”, he thanks him on the court, where he remembers: “Everyone knows that I’m not just competing for the champion’s trophy, but also for number one.” And so it is. The loot that this last tournament of the year has in store for him is more than juicy, and now he leaves successfully and without rushing. Nothing to do with starting one way or another. Now, confidence in the backpack and good energy, waiting to see how the other duel in the group, between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz, will be resolved tomorrow.

The techno music resonates, the Australian dance demands and Alcaraz is encouraged in the face of intimidation: “Come on, Charlie, come on!” De Minaur presses in the rally, but the Murcian holds the serve and as that arm wrapped in marked veins warms up and calibrates, the story changes profoundly. The moment he takes control, he enjoys it, while the oceanic player suffers from it, with legs to give and give, but subject to the high pace that is imposed in rallies. High-speed, precise and attractive sneakers; debate in every exchange, but most of the time there is one tennis player who prevails. Alcaraz is spitting sparks.

Palm trees at the Inalpi Arena, delightful autumn Sunday in Turin. Abundant screams from the children and in this, making an effort so that the rope of the first set does not break, the one that has long ceased to be and that now, at such a young age of 26, is risking its being or not being. De Minaur is maturing, today at a crossroads: bravery or nothing. Intelligent, dynamic and fast like few others, just one step forward will open a career that, although promising, is not yet completely defined. Today, without forgetting or belittling all the merits, which are not few, it is nothing more than an illusion. The real leap asks for more. Access to the dimension he wants requires something extra that, for now, he resists.

This season he stayed on the right path, in the same way that he didn’t finish exploding either; There is still an important prize missing from his record – the 500 category as a limit – and on the big stages he has not managed to overcome the quarter-final barrier. Of course, regardless of the circumstances, he is usually an opponent who forces us to row. Alcaraz accelerates (to break to 3-1) and he responds (to 4-3), but in the tiebreaker his arm and his faith shrink. On the other hand, the Spaniard grows and even though his wrist is not completely good, he misses several shots on net, he ends up winning when the duel (3-5 down) demands the size he shows.

Then they exchange slaps, but as one flows the other dilutes. Things are going badly for De Minaur and his tennis is losing steam, while Alcaraz’s parallel backhand begins to open the gap – three consecutive breaks in the second round – and fortunately guides him to his first victory. People have fun, DJ calls to the party and among those dancing melodies the hierarchical version of the boy from El Palmar is revealed: 32 winners, 28 mistakes and correction with the service. Optimistic takeoff, then, and turn of the steering wheel, given the scenario. Start winning, a new and welcome perspective for him.