Carlos Alcaraz secures No. 4 ranking and Umag final with win over Zeppieri

Carlos Alcaraz had a lot of issues but the Spaniard was able to overcome Zeppieri in a crazy match that saw him squander some big leads 7-5 4-6 6-3.

The opening set featured strong play by both but it did not come at the same time. Alcaraz was better early as Zeppier showed some early nerves and the Spaniard was firmly in control 4-2. He dropped his serve not long after that complicating things for himself and Zeppieri entered his best stretch of the match battling his way to a couple of set points.

Alcaraz was able to save them and then outplay his opponent down the stretch to take the opening set 7-5. It lasted well over an hour and the fierce battle continued in the 2nd set. It was a 3-2 lead for Zeppier when Alcaraz rolled his ankle. It didn't look that good and the Spaniard stopped play to get it taped opting to continue the match.

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The crucial moment in the 2nd set came in late when Alcaraz got broken from up 30-0 to give Zeppieir the 2nd set 6-4. The Spaniard was visibly angry and he took out his anger in the final set jumping out to an early 3-0 lead. He had a chance to make it 4-0 but lost his serve and Zeppieir pulled closer to 3-2. The Italian actually made it 3-3 but that was the last good thing he did.

Alcaraz elected to take the match into his own hands and it largely worked as he was able to win 3 straight games to finish it off 6-3. The break at 3-3 was crucial for the Spaniard as it crushed Zeppieri at a moment when he was playing very good tennis.

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Title defence continues 🤩 @carlosalcaraz beats Zeppieri 7-5 4-6 6-3 to reach the Umag final! #CroatiaOpenUmag

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