In the realm of professional tennis, reaching milestones and breaking records are pivotal. This year’s Western & Southern Open has seen its fair share of both, with Carlos Alcaraz achieving his 50th match win, while Daniil Medvedev asserted dominance over Lorenzo Musetti.
Carlos Alcaraz: The Young Prodigy’s Path to 50 Wins
At a young age, Carlos Alcaraz has become one of the game’s most notable figures. His achievement of securing 50 match wins this year is commendable, but the journey wasn’t without hurdles.
The Showdown with Thompson
The world watched as Alcaraz faced Jordan Thompson. The match’s progression was:
| Set | Result |
| 1 | 7-5 (Alcaraz) |
| 2 | 4-6 (Thompson) |
| 3 | 6-3 (Alcaraz) |
But statistics barely touch the surface of the story.
Alcaraz’s start against the net-charging Australian wasn’t the strongest. The game was marked by multiple unforced errors, and a rain delay didn’t help. The initial two sets saw a relatively flat performance from Alcaraz, overshadowed by his 26 unforced errors in the first set.
However, a shift in momentum was palpable as the third set approached. Shortly before 12:30 a.m., Alcaraz’s vigor returned, much to the relief of his fans who had been anxious throughout the match.
“It wasn’t an easy match but I found my best level at the end,” Alcaraz said. “We were waiting around all day to play the match and then when you step on the court you have to start with the rain, so it wasn’t easy.”
Match Outcome
| Player | Sets Won |
| Alcaraz Garcia K. | 2 |
| Thompson J. | 1 |
Service Statistics
| Statistic | Alcaraz Garcia K. | Thompson J. |
| Aces | 3 | 4 |
| Double Faults | 5 | 5 |
| First Serve Percentage | 55% | 49% |
| Points Won on 1st Serve | 66% (31/47) | 60% (37/62) |
| Points Won on 2nd Serve | 64% (25/39) | 55% (35/64) |
| Break Points Saved | 57% (4/7) | 71% (12/17) |
Reception Statistics
| Statistic | Alcaraz Garcia K. | Thompson J. |
| Points Won on 1st Return | 40% (25/62) | 34% (16/47) |
| Points Won on 2nd Return | 45% (29/64) | 36% (14/39) |
| Break Points Converted | 29% (5/17) | 43% (3/7) |
Point Play Statistics
| Statistic | Alcaraz Garcia K. | Thompson J. |
| Winners | 35 | 20 |
| Unforced Errors | 15 | 14 |
| Points Won at the Net | 69% (18/26) | 55% (29/53) |
| Consecutive Points Won | 6 | 5 |
| Points Won on Serve | 65% (56/86) | 57% (72/126) |
| Points Won on Return | 43% (54/126) | 35% (30/86) |
| Total Points Won | 52% (110/212) | 48% (102/212) |
Game Play Statistics
| Statistic | Alcaraz Garcia K. | Thompson J. |
| Consecutive Games Won | 3 | 3 |
| Games Won on Serve | 80% (12/15) | 69% (11/16) |
| Games Won on Return | 31% (5/16) | 20% (3/15) |
| Total Games Won | 55% (17/31) | 45% (14/31) |
The tables effectively present the match statistics in a comprehensive manner for both players.
The Coaching Perspective
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach, has been pivotal in the young star’s growth. Ferrero’s presence this week aims at refining Alcaraz’s strategy against the likes of Novak Djokovic.
Daniil Medvedev: Asserting Dominance Over Musetti
Not to be overshadowed, the third-seeded Daniil Medvedev showcased his mastery over Lorenzo Musetti. This wasn’t their first showdown, and once again, Medvedev emerged triumphant.
Match Summary
Medvedev’s confidence on the Cincinnati courts was evident. His dominance over Musetti was showcased in their results:
| Set | Result |
| 1 | 6-3 (Medvedev) |
| 2 | 6-2 (Medvedev) |
Despite this assertive win, Medvedev acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to Cincinnati’s fast courts.
“I think it’s tough for anyone to be comfortable [quickly] here,” said Medvedev. “But then it comes to being the better in the tough conditions, and that’s what I managed to do today.”
Match Outcome
| Player | Sets Won |
| Musetti L. | 0 |
| Medvedev D. | 2 |
Service Statistics
| Statistic | Musetti L. | Medvedev D. |
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 5 |
| First Serve Percentage | 59% | 63% |
| Points Won on 1st Serve | 68% (23/34) | 82% (28/34) |
| Points Won on 2nd Serve | 21% (5/24) | 40% (8/20) |
| Break Points Saved | 50% (4/8) | 0% (0/1) |
Reception Statistics
| Statistic | Musetti L. | Medvedev D. |
| Points Won on 1st Return | 18% (6/34) | 32% (11/34) |
| Points Won on 2nd Return | 60% (12/20) | 79% (19/24) |
| Break Points Converted | 100% (1/1) | 50% (4/8) |
Point Play Statistics
| Statistic | Musetti L. | Medvedev D. |
| Winners | 10 | 25 |
| Unforced Errors | 10 | 11 |
| Points Won at the Net | 45% (5/11) | 78% (14/18) |
| Consecutive Points Won | 5 | 6 |
| Points Won on Serve | 48% (28/58) | 67% (36/54) |
| Points Won on Return | 33% (18/54) | 52% (30/58) |
| Total Points Won | 41% (46/112) | 59% (66/112) |
Game Play Statistics
| Statistic | Musetti L. | Medvedev D. |
| Consecutive Games Won | 1 | 5 |
| Games Won on Serve | 50% (4/8) | 89% (8/9) |
| Games Won on Return | 11% (1/9) | 50% (4/8) |
| Total Games Won | 29% (5/17) | 71% (12/17) |
The tables present the match statistics in a clear and comprehensive format for both players.
Medvedev’s Milestones and Memories
Cincinnati holds a special place in Medvedev’s heart, having won his first Masters 1000 title there in 2019. His next challenge is against the 16th seed, Alexander Zverev.
- 23 – ATP Masters 1000 wins by Medvedev this season.
- 6 – Number of Masters 1000 titles won by Medvedev.
Upcoming Attractions
While Alcaraz and Medvedev stole the show, the tournament is far from over. Alcaraz is gearing up for a third-round duel, awaiting the victor between Frenchman Ugo Humbert and American Tommy Paul.
As the Western & Southern Open continues, all eyes will be on these titans, eagerly anticipating their next move on the court.
