Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, respectively second and third seeded at the National Bank Open in Montreal, do not have the same opinion of the surface of the IGA Stadium. Both players were surprised in different ways upon arriving in the metropolis.
Posted at 6:26 p.m.
Tsitsipas, who is once again having an excellent season, is one of the most versatile players on the circuit. He has won titles on all surfaces. This season, he won a tournament on grass and another on clay. He is looking for his first hard court title in 2022.
PHOTO KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Stefanos Tsitsipas
He also specified that he was a little surprised by the slowness of the surface proposed at the IGA Stadium, during a meeting with the media, at Place Ville Marie, Friday, as part of the draw for the main draw.
However, this is not a disadvantage for the Greek, on the contrary. “I think it can help my game in a number of ways. It’s kind of like a faster version of clay, the cut effects bite a bit more. Obviously there is a little less time to react, but the balls can still bounce with great effect. »
PHOTO CATHRIN MUELLER, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Carlos Alcaraz
On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz, a young Spanish phenomenon, finds that the surface is faster than he thought. At 19, the second seed is having a dream season on the ATP Tour. He has won four titles so far. Considering he’s from Spain and grew up playing on clay courts, he believes all other surfaces always look faster. “Getting used to a new surface is difficult, but I’m the kind of player who can get used to it very quickly. I had to practice my hard game and give 100% to get ready,” he explained.
Heading to the US Open
The National Bank Open is considered by many players to be the most important tournament for the US Open, the last major tournament of the season. Winning here is therefore of paramount importance and Montreal’s preparation is worth gold for the majority of players.
“All tournaments are important, but of course it’s different when a grand slam is approaching. I want to be in good shape for my matches to gain more confidence,” said Alcaraz, who lost in the quarter-finals to Félix Auger-Aliassime last year in New York.
Tsitsipas also thinks about what a victory in Montreal could mean for his classification and the rest of his season. “Everyone wants to do well in Montreal, it involves a lot of points and all the players want to take advantage of this opportunity. I want to make points to have a good ranking at the end of the year. »
He also argued that his points acquired on Quebec soil could perhaps allow him to skip certain tournaments at the end of the season.
After enjoying his vacation, the Greek is ready to strike a blow during this North American sequence. He said he felt in full control and the 23-year-old is eager to be sent into the fray: “I’m excited to be playing good tennis again and playing to the fullest of my abilities. This sequence is special. You have to focus on each tournament.
The two players could meet in the semi-finals later in the tournament.