ATP Tournament in Umag, Round of 16, Thursday, 28.07.2022
Is super talent Carlos Alcaraz in the first small crisis of his young career? The high-flyer looked a little tired lately, but now wants to show in Umag, Croatia, that he is ready for the title again.
It is impossible for him to fail in his tournament opener in Umag in the 2nd round (walk-through in round 1, note) against a player who is not in the top 100. In my Alcaraz Gombos tip, I therefore reveal why I unfortunately don’t really trust the outsider very much!
The meteoric rise of Carlos Alcaraz, there was no getting around it by 2022 at the latest. In the midst of big titles at Masters tournaments, he celebrated his 19th birthday, was promptly seen as a Grand Slam champion already.
After his Madrid triumph in early May, he took a short break to prepare for the French Open. His defeat by Alexander Zverev in the round of 16 came as a surprise to many.
A short time later in Wimbledon, he was once again eliminated in the 4th round, his defeat against Jannik Sinner at 1-6, 4-6, 7-6, 3-6 even taking on quite clear characteristics. It was off to Hamburg, where Alcaraz wanted to redeem himself.
For a long time, one had the impression that it would work out, the title could only be won by the Spaniard. But the smooth victories against Karen Khachanov or Filip Krajinovic were of no use to him in the end, and in the final of all things, his nerves failed him.
He was defeated by Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 7-6, 4-6. He conceded four out of six break chances and did not win more than 66% of his first serve points.
For the youngster, who is used to success, the last three months were quite unusual. In Umag, Croatia, he is seeded No. 1 and the trophy should end up in his hands.
Again, because Alcaraz is the defending champion. A year ago, he narrowly defeated Richard Gasquet in the final. Before he is allowed to fight for victory again, he first has to get his opener behind him.
For the first time in his career, he will duel with Norbert Gombos. Alcaraz against the world number 117, it is clear that the German betting companies see no room for a surprise here.
Gombos won’t mind his role as an underdog because it means he can serve without pressure.
He fought his way through the qualifiers with a win over Fernando Romboli (6-1, 6-2), then actually finished against Franco Agamenone and a 4-6, 6-1, 5-7. As a lucky loser, Gombos slipped into the main draw and surprised everyone there.
Federico Delbonis, who was actually the favourite, had to go home. The Slovakian won an incredibly close match 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, but with such a performance he will hardly stand a chance against Alcaraz.
The opponents against whom he has been eliminated recently go by the less illustrious names of Francesco Passaro, Sebastian Ofner or Andrea Arnaboldi, so the high odds on Thursday are definitely there for a good reason.
My Alcaraz Gombos tip
Carlos Alcaraz will probably decide all by himself how quickly he brings the match to a close against Norbert Gombos. The veteran has hardly been able to draw attention to himself in recent weeks.
Alcaraz may have been a bit tired lately, but now he is the defending champion in Umag. Gombos is no challenge for him on a normal day. Therefore, I would also recommend the following tip:
Alcaraz wins at Under xxx Games!
