Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday slipped to a shock defeat on his return from injury at the Paris Masters, while Jessica Pegula upset Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, punishing an error-strewn performance by the world No. 1 to reach the semi-finals of the season-ending tournament for the first time.
Spain’s world No. 2 Alcaraz, who was making his return to the court following injuries to his lower back and left foot, had been given a bye in the first round, but had no answer to Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin who eased through 6-3, 6-4.
“He didn’t surprise me at all, because I knew that he has been playing a great level these last few months, beating big guys, reaching finals,” Alcaraz said. “I knew that he was going to play a high level.”
Photo: Reuters
Safiullin, ranked 45 in the world, canceled out an early Alcaraz break in the first set and then never looked back as he ran on to claim the opener 6-3.
The same scenario then played out in the second set, with Alcaraz breaking for an early lead only for his opponent to strike back immediately.
Having only announced he would play in the tournament on Wednesday last week, Alcaraz looked far from his sharpest.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“I just didn’t feel well, you know, on the court,” he said. “A lot of things to improve, a lot of things to practice.”
“I think I didn’t move well. In the shots, I think I had a good quality of shots, but physically, in terms of movement, I have to improve a lot,” Alcaraz said.
However, much credit must go to Safiullin, who was relentless in getting over the line for a career-boosting win in what was his first meeting with the Spaniard.
The 26-year-old held his nerve under pressure from the Wimbledon champion to serve out for the win, despite facing several deuce points in the final game.
“Even if he’s not in the best shape it’s tough to beat him,” Safiullin said. “So, I’m really happy that I made it.”
In women’s tennis, world No. 5 Pegula, who had beaten Sabalenka only once before in five previous meetings, dominated her out-of-sorts Belarusian opponent from the outset to claim a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Pegula was assured of reaching the last four as the winner of Bacalar Group later on Tuesday after fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2) in the day’s other game.
“I feel more comfortable playing [top players] this year, I feel more confident,” Pegula said after her win. “I don’t think it feels like such a big deal. Last year when I made top five, I think I psyched myself out a little bit. You have a couple thoughts in your head — do I really belong at that level?”
Sabalenka, who is one of several players who have complained about the condition of the court at this week’s tournament, looked uncomfortable throughout against Pegula, finishing with 33 unforced errors and five double faults.
Sabalenka, who can still reach the last four with a win over Rybakina today, again bemoaned the state of the playing surface after her defeat, describing it as “like leather.”
“You never know what’s going to happen, whether the bounce is going to help you or work against you,” Sabalenka said. “I guess today was a day where it didn’t work well for me, but it’s okay I still have a chance to pass the group, so I’m trying to stay strong.”
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