Alcaraz fell to qualifier Safiullin in an sudden flip of occasions. (Credit: AFP)
Spanish world quantity two Alcaraz had been given a bye within the first spherical however had no reply to Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin who eased via 6-3, 6-4.
Carlos Alcaraz slipped to a shock defeat on his return from damage on Tuesday on the Paris Masters whereas Alexander Zverev wanted three units to see off Marton Fucsovics.
Spanish world quantity two Alcaraz, who was making his return to the courtroom following accidents to his decrease again and left foot, had been given a bye within the first spherical however had no reply to Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin who eased via 6-3, 6-4.
READ: WTA Finals: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka Knocked Out by Jessica Pegula in Two-Set Stunner
“He didn’t surprise me at all because I knew that he has been playing a great level these last few months, beating big guys, reaching finals,” stated a disconsolate Alcaraz.
“I knew that he was going to play a high level.”
Safiullin, ranked 45 on the earth, cancelled out an early Alcaraz break within the first set after which by no means seemed again as he ran on to say the opener 6-3.
The identical state of affairs then performed out within the second set, with Alcaraz breaking for an early lead just for his opponent to strike again instantly.
Having solely introduced he would play within the event final Wednesday, Alcaraz seemed removed from his sharpest.
“I just didn’t feel well, you know, on the court,” he stated. “A lot of things to improve, a lot of things to practice.
“I think I didn’t move well. In the shots, I think I had a good quality of shots. But physically, in terms of movement, I have to improve a lot.”
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
However, a lot credit score should go to Safiullin, who was relentless in getting over the road for a profession-boosting win in what was his first assembly with the Spaniard.
The 26-yr-outdated held his nerve below strain from the Wimbledon champion to serve out for the win, regardless of dealing with a number of deuce factors within the closing recreation.
“Even if he’s not in the best shape it’s tough to beat him,” stated Safiullin. “So, I’m really happy that I made it.”
The eleventh-seeded Hurkacz noticed off Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 to ebook his place within the second spherical alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime, who toppled Jan-Lennard Struff in two units.
Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev accomplished the day’s play with a quickfire 6-4, 6-3 victory over Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka.
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
