Two ATP tournaments were held last week as part of the Asian Swing, and both delivered in a big way, especially in the finals. Two young talents emerged victorious. One of them is already a great player and an all-time great prospect, while the other is getting better and more mature with every passing month. These champions showed incredible resilience and skill to win the title and gain important points. Here’s a quick rundown of the champions and their impressive victories.
Winners Of The Week
Tokyo: Arthur Fils
Arthur Fils showed incredible clutchness and a winning mentality to save a championship point and win the title in Tokyo. The Frenchman hit a tremendous backhand down-the-line pass to save the championship point against his compatriot, Ugo Humbert, in the final. This was Humbert’s first loss in the final of an ATP tournament. This run from Arthur Fils was one of the best in an ATP 500-level tournament. Four out of his five wins came against top-20 players, and the other against Matteo Berrettini. He was the underdog in every match he played. Pretty much every set he played was tight while battling physical struggles. He certainly showed something unique this week.
This was the Frenchman’s third ATP Tour title and second this year (both ATP 500s). This never-give-up attitude and tenacity is going to take him very far in his career. His defense is so good and strong out of the corners, and his return of serve has improved massively. The French fans have a superstar on their hands, and so far, he is delivering despite being just 20 years old. Fils will look to be more consistent from here on and end the year on a high like he did last year.
Beijing: Carlos Alcaraz
Defeating Jannik Sinner has been one of the biggest challenges for players this year, but not for Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard ended Sinner’s 16-match win streak to win the China Open title in Beijing. The 10th installment of “Sinner vs Alcaraz” was an instant classic. An incredible final with both players playing some amazing tennis, especially in the second and third sets. Alcaraz won seven points in a row from a double minibreak down in the deciding set tiebreak to clinch the title. Defeating Medvedev and Sinner back to back on hard courts is one of the toughest tasks in tennis currently, and Alcaraz did that for the second time this year. His insane mixture of variety, net play, and aggressive shots was on full display throughout this tournament. He was great at shortening his forehand swing and redirecting pace.
This was Alcaraz’s fourth title of the year and 17th overall. This run also takes him ahead of Alexander Zverev and secures the No.2 ranking. Sinner has had the advantage on medium-fast hardcourts in this rivalry, so this is a huge win for Alcaraz’s confidence, not just against his rival but also in general for the rest of the season. The Spaniard turned his level so high at times this tournament that it had demoralizing effects on his opponent’s shots. It looks like this will be the year where Alcaraz will have his best post-US Open run.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
