Alcaraz wins Next Gen ATP Finals by beating Korda in straight sets
Carlos Alcaraz is the fourth champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals after beating Sebastian Korda in straight sets on Saturday. He joins a list that includes Hyeon Chung, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Jannik Sinner.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz holds a trophy after winning the ATP Next Gen final tennis tournament against United States’ Sebastian Korda, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)/XAC110/21317798452959//2111132315
Next Gen Finals | Draw
The Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals is a showcase of the future.
For Carlos Alcaraz, however, the present is already seeing him emerge as one of the best players in the world.
Ranked 32nd on the ATP Tour and seeded first in Milan, Alcaraz was expected to lift the trophy at the beginning of the week. And that is exactly what he did. The 18-year-old powered his way to a 4-3(5), 4-2, 4-2 victory over Sebastian Korda in the championship match on Saturday night.
“It feels amazing,” Alcaraz assured. “To be able to win this tournament means a lot to me. I’m so excited right now, and emotional.”
Alcaraz comes up big on break points
Korda was not without chances despite losing in straight sets. The 21-year-old American earned a whopping five break-point chances in his first two return games but could not convert. Both players held serve en route to a tiebreaker, which Alcaraz won even though his opponent led 5-4 at one stage and had two serves coming up.
Alcaraz lost only three service points in the second set, so one break was enough for him to take it with relatively ease.
Korda had done well to come back from the brink of defeat in an all-American semi-final against Brandon Nakashima on Friday, but Alcaraz proved to be a whole different kind of beast of an opponent. The Spaniard was not about to let his foot off the gas pedal. He fought off one more break point at 0-1 and then broke Korda for a 2-1 lead to seize complete control. Alcaraz eventually capitalized on his third championship point at 4-2, 40-30 with a clinching overhead smash.
“I surprised myself with the level I am playing at on an indoor court,” the champ commented. “I’m really happy.”
“It was unbelievable week for me,” Korda said during his on-court interview. “I just want to congratulate Carlos and his whole team…. It’s been an incredible year for me. I’ll have a couple of days of rest and then back to work so I can go one step further and make the Nitto ATP Finals next year.”
