By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, September 13, 2024
Photo credit: Angel Martinez/Getty for ITF
Leave it to Carlos Alcaraz to prove there is life after death.
Revitalized by Spanish teammates and fans, an energized Alcaraz defeated Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-3 sealing Spain's Davis Cup victory over France in Valencia, Spain.
Earlier, veteran Roberto Bautista Agut dug down deep staging a spirited 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils.
A gritty Bautista Agut fought back from a 2-6, 3-5 deficit breaking Fils when the Frenchman served for the match.
Spain and Australia came alive in Group B, the "Group of Death", to secure spots in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, Spain, November 19-24th.
Flying around the court like a tennis acrobat from the start, Alcaraz said emotional support from teammates and fans helped him elevate after a disappointing US Open upset defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.
“Honestly, the level that I played since the beginning until the last ball I was really, really focused,” Alcaraz said. “I was really high level of tennis of focus I was really really intense.
“It’s probably one of the best matches I played this year. Obviously seeing my last month I need these kind of matches. I”m really really happy with my performance today.
“I need this week I need being with the team with all the players all the staff from the federation. Seeing them cheering on me always in every point every match off the court we have a really good relationship as well. The life we live is insane so I need this atmosphere and this kind of matches to know that I’m not playing alone. I’m really happy to have this energy.”
World No. 3 Alcaraz was sprinting into a slide as he flicked a crosscourt backhand pass for a set point on the Frenchman’s serve.
The left-handed Humbert slapped a shot into net as Alcaraz snatched the 35-minute opener with a shout.
Throughout this match, Alcaraz played with positive energy. Serving for the match, Alcaraz stood tall fending off three straight break points.
A crackling rally ended with Alcaraz spinning a dipping backhand pass to save the third break point and get back to deuce.
On match point Alcaraz torched a forehand winner down the line then erupted in a loud “Vamos!” pumping his fists furiously before bear-hugging captain David Ferrer.