London (EFE).- Carlos Alcaraz will become this Sunday the fourth Spaniard to play in the Queen’s final.
The Murcian, after defeating the American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-4, can add his name to the three who have already triumphed in this tournament: Andrés Gimeno (1960), Rafael Nadal (2008) and Feliciano López (2017). and 2019).
“I would like to see my name in the list of champions of one of the most historic tournaments,” he said a few days ago, when there was still no chance of winning here. His tennis, constantly on the rise, now allows him to give himself a precious opportunity on the courts of Queen’s, the first in which he will play a final on grass in his career.
Because the London club is a spectator of a week of first times for Alcaraz, who has played his first quarterfinals, his first semifinals and his first final here. Now it remains to be seen if he can also lift his first gimp on a green carpet.
Korda, who billed himself as one of the favorites for Wimbledon, was his penultimate hurdle. The American had grown up, not without reason. He overwhelmed two surface specialists in Dan Evans and Frances Tiafoe, and edged out local favorite Cameron Norrie. The elongated son of Petr Korda, winner of a Grand Slam, with his serve and his aggressiveness, was a litmus test for Alcaraz, who overcame it more easily than expected.
Only a few hesitant initial bars to serve complicated Alcaraz’s gait. His first serve was delivered on a platter to Korda, but he didn’t let the American build from there. He returned the break immediately, helped by three double faults, and withstood the first slaps without rushing.
Aware of the rival’s toughness, Alcaraz raised his fist, addressed his team and also recognized Korda’s good work when he deserved it.
Because it was not a walk, the first six games were nerve management with many doubts in the services of the two players. Alcaraz had five ‘break’ balls and Korda, another five. He could fall for either side, but he did it for the one who is greatest in these situations.
With 4-3 and Korda reeling, Alcaraz did not forgive on his seventh break point and tipped a set that deflated the American in his favor.
If he thought he was a favorite for Wimbledon, Alcaraz lowered him to the grass. His confidence with the service fell and Alcaraz sank his teeth when he saw the fragile prey. He devoured it and in a flawless second set he clinched his sixth final of the year.
After Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Indian Wells, Barcelona and Madrid, Alcaraz will have the opportunity this Sunday to add a fifth title in 2023 and become one of those select few capable of winning on three different surfaces.
His rival will be Alex de Miñaur, who defeated Holger Rune and who already knows what it is to suffer the epic of the Spanish. De Miñaur and Alcaraz met in the semifinals of the Conde de Godó in 2022, with victory for the Murcian, who raised two match points that day.
If De Minaur wins, Alcaraz will take the number one in the world from Novak Djokovic and will be the first seed at Wimbledon.