Well, he got Carlos in Oz but it totally wiped him out and I'm not sure it was the best version of Carlo either. He certainly isn't going through both of them that's for sure and Sinner seems to have his measure. I'd agree that all stars need to align.I don't see him beating the New 2 in a slam either and said as much last year. He needs several things to happen to even reach the final:
Friendly draw
Someone else to do the dirty work so he can face either a rookie or a pigeon in the final
Great take. It is really a fun match-up, because they present such different qualities. The variance in Alcaraz's game is larger - as you say, he reaches levels unequalled by anyone, but Sinner's floor is incredibly high, reminiscent of peak Novak floor.This one is so tough. I think Sinner is playing closer to his potential. Carlos still has a lot more variance in his game. Carlos has had the perfect set up for this final. His match against Tommy Paul was virtually a training session where he was given the space to unleash and see what he's capable of. But he's also had sets where he's been severaly challenged, and not just the first two sets against Musetti. But then Musetti retiring at the time he did, was perfect. He got the test but didn't have to strain himself physically, while getting the correct mental and tactical practice. All through this tournament there have been moments when he's applied the afterburners and completely destroyed everyone. Meanwhile on the other side, no one has even been able to get a set off Sinner, even Novak doing the most Novakian things.
I'll say this... I can imagine a scenario where Carlos gets an early break and ends up winning in 4, purely because for a set and a half he puts enough doubt in Jannik's mind. But I can also see Sinner just ploughing through in 3 tight sets. I think this final will most likely be decided in Sinner's mind. If, in the periods where Alcaraz elevates his game to that spot that's beyond everyone Sinner gets mentally affected, then Carlos will probably win. But if Jannik can stand up and smother those periods, holds Carlos to neutral, then Sinner will win.
interesting way to flip the coin. I went Carlos in 5, because I think it will go 5. Carlos raised his level and concentration for Jannik in the Rome final, and I think he will again. I also think he'll be the fitter for a 5 set match.It's a coin flip really and I don't know who will win. I'll follow the roof. If roof is closed Sinner wins, if roof is opened Carlos wins.
I've put Carlos in 5 too. I trust his fitness level more than Sinner's who needs to be tested again in long distance matches. He's been winning slams without much struggle and grind (apart from that match with Meddy). Just hoping for an entertaining final.interesting way to flip the coin. I went Carlos in 5, because I think it will go 5. Carlos raised his level and concentration for Jannik in the Rome final, and I think he will again. I also think he'll be the fitter for a 5 set match.
About to start. Roof is open.It's a coin flip really and I don't know who will win. I'll follow the roof. If roof is closed Sinner wins, if roof is opened Carlos wins.
Thanx for the info Mox. I'm on the radio right now and will be tuning to live tv when it gets closer, conserving data. It's that time of the year again, but my local time zone is same as RG and it's Sunday, so it's all good.About to start. Roof is open.