Doubles specialist Andrea Vavassori enjoyed a great singles ride at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam. The Italian passed the qualifying stage and delivered two victories in the main draw to arrange the quarter-final clash versus Carlos Alcaraz.
World no. 3 scored a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory in 63 minutes.The Italian could not do much against such a strong rival, struggling on serve and return and collecting only three games. Andrea felt a bit under a train against the four-time Major winner.
The Italian wished to take a few more games, but it was not to be for him against the rival from the top who did everything right.Vavassori praised Alcaraz'sskills on the court and his attitude outside it. He remembered the Challenger days and how Carlos was alwaysnice to everyone.
Alcaraz raised his level in comparison to his first match in Rotterdam. The Spaniard dropped nine points on serve against Vavassori and denied the only break point he faced. Andrea felt the pressure in his games and cracked under it.
The Italian fired 17 service winners but could not do much more outside them. He sprayed 27 unforced mistakes and failed to impose his strokes from the baseline. Alcaraz grabbed 54% of the return points and generated eight break chances.
World no. 3 converted five,maintaining his focus throughout the duel and sailing over the top.
"Carlos was impressive. We played in Buenos Aires on clay, and I had a bit more time to prepare for my shots. He gave me no time in Rotterdam. I served very hard, above 220 km/h, but he returned 80% of my serves. Carlos served intelligently and made little mistakes.
I had one break point, and he made it difficult for me. I felt a bit under a train, with a big crowd and the rival on the other side. I'm not used to playing singles, and this match showed it. Maybe I could have won a few more games, but it's tough against Carlos.
He is a very special guy outside the court. I have known him since the Challenger days, and he always greets everyone with a smile. It's a pleasure and honor to compete against him," Andrea Vavassori said.
