In the heart of Toronto, amidst roaring fans and the electrifying atmosphere of the National Bank Open, rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz faced off against the formidable Ben Shelton. This encounter not only highlighted the prowess of the #NextGenATP stars but also showcased the shifting dynamics of the tennis world. With Alcaraz coming fresh off a Wimbledon victory and Shelton’s aggressive strategy in play, this match promised high stakes and unparalleled excitement. Read on for an in-depth dive into this riveting battle and other notable encounters of the night.
Alcaraz’s Resilient Performance
In an atmosphere charged with energy, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious against Ben Shelton during their encounter in Toronto. The thrilling face-off took place just after Alcaraz’s remarkable win at Wimbledon. Facing off against another rising #NextGenATP star, the Spaniard displayed resilience and prowess on the court.
The clash saw Shelton’s aggressive gameplay versus the usually unwavering skill set of Alcaraz. The tight competition between the two left spectators at the edge of their seats. The defining moment of the match was a service break in the fourth game, which later proved pivotal for Alcaraz’s triumph.
Despite the intense competition, Alcaraz managed to secure the win with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3). This impressive win extended his already notable winning streak to 13 consecutive matches, starting from his triumphant run at the Queen’s title.
“I tried to play my level but it wasn’t easy,” Alcaraz commented post-match. “He was more aggressive than me from the beginning to the last ball. I tried to be solid and to get my rhythm and I’m really happy to be through to have an opportunity in the next round.”
Match Statistics: Alcaraz Garcia K. vs Shelton B. (2:0)
| Statistics | Alcaraz Garcia K. | Shelton B. |
| Serve | ||
| Aces | 4 | 5 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 4 |
| First Serve Percentage | 58% | 60% |
| Points Won on 1st Serve | 71% (32/45) | 70% (26/37) |
| Points Won on 2nd Serve | 67% (22/33) | 60% (15/25) |
| Break Points Saved | 100% (3/3) | 67% (2/3) |
| Return | ||
| Points Won on 1st Return | 30% (11/37) | 29% (13/45) |
| Points Won on 2nd Return | 40% (10/25) | 33% (11/33) |
| Break Points Converted | 33% (1/3) | 0% (0/3) |
| Points | ||
| Winners | 19 | 22 |
| Unforced Errors | 11 | 10 |
| Points Won at the Net | 67% (12/18) | 61% (14/23) |
| Consecutive Points Won | 5 | 5 |
| Points Won on Serve | 69% (54/78) | 66% (41/62) |
| Points Won on Return | 34% (21/62) | 31% (24/78) |
| Total Points Won | 54% (75/140) | 46% (65/140) |
| Games | ||
| Consecutive Games Won | 3 | 1 |
| Games Won on Serve | 100% (11/11) | 90% (9/10) |
| Games Won on Return | 10% (1/10) | 0% (0/11) |
| Total Games Won | 57% (12/21) | 43% (9/21) |
By the Numbers
In a testament to Alcaraz’s exceptional season, he boasts six titles, including two ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid. His performance in the Masters 1000 has been extraordinary with an 18-2 record. Looking ahead, he’s on the hunt for his fifth title at this prestigious level.
Here’s a breakdown of his impressive 2022 achievements:
| Achievement | Count |
| ATP Masters 1000 titles won | 2 |
| Total titles this season | 6 |
| Record at the Masters 1000 | 18-2 |
Following this win, Alcaraz is set to challenge the formidable Hubert Hurkacz. Hurkacz, known for his powerful serve, recently staged a comeback victory against Serbian, Miomir Kecmanovic.
Delving into the Match Stats
Statistics from the Infosys ATP threw light on the closely contested nature of the Alcaraz vs. Shelton match:
- Both competitors landed 17 winners each.
- The difference in unforced errors was marginal, with Shelton making just two more (26 in total).
- Alcaraz was impeccable when it came to saving break points, succeeding 3/3 times. Shelton wasn’t far behind, saving 2/3.
Shelton’s performance during his service games in the second set was commendable. However, a slight lapse in the tie-break proved costly. Consecutive mini-breaks saw him trail at 1/4.
“This match will help me to be more focussed in the next round, to put my game first in the beginning of the match,” said the focused Alcaraz.
Spotlight: Other Matches of the Night
While Alcaraz vs. Shelton was undoubtedly a highlight, the night had more in store. American qualifier Marcos Giron achieved a significant career milestone by defeating World No. 6, Holger Rune, in a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 set. This victory marked just his second win in 17 confrontations with Top 10 players.
Despite a hiccup while trying to serve out the match at 5-2 in the third, Giron was quick to bounce back. He clinched the win, capitalizing on Rune’s 50th unforced error. The error came in the form of a failed forehand drop shot.
Giron, currently ranked World No. 70, is set to challenge fellow American Tommy Paul next. Paul recently achieved a victory against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.
Reflecting on his performance and looking forward, Giron expressed,
“I’ve played with a lot of guys who are Top 10 in the world so I knew that I can do it. The margins are so small and you never know when that break is going to happen… So you always have to be there.”
The National Bank Open in Toronto is turning out to be a platform showcasing nail-biting matches and emerging talents. With players like Alcaraz leading the charge, tennis fans are in for an exciting season ahead.
