Carlos Alcaraz missed the last four months of action due to a leg injury but he was able to hit the ground running on his return. The youngster defeated compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles by 6-2, 6-2 to book his place in the final of the Argentina Open.
In fact, this is the Spaniard’s maiden tournament of the year and he has hit the blocks. Alcaraz is delighted with his form upon his return and stated it’s a really special moment for him.
“It’s a really special moment for me,” Alcaraz said. “I was a little bit down after the injury, so I had to recover in those four months the confidence and the rhythm. Coming back for my first tournament of 2023 and making the final is so special for me.”
Alcaraz will take on Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the summit clash and has a 3-1 lead against the Brit in the ATP H2H. The Spaniard reckons it will be a tough match for him.
“I played a couple of times against him. [He is] a really, really tough player,” Alcaraz said. “I know that I have to give everything I have in the final. I’m going to say it’s going to be a really tough final, but at the same time a beautiful one.”
On the other hand, Norrie registered a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory against Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas in the semifinal.
“It’s going to be a tough one for sure regardless of who I play,” Norrie said before knowing Alcaraz will be his opponent. “I lost a tough final in Auckland, so hopefully I can get some good feelings back tomorrow in the final.”
Alcaraz also shared a post on his Instagram which read, “After over 100 days without playing, getting back to a final means EVERYTHING. Let’s go for more tomorrow!”
