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Carlos Alcaraz graciously helped Fabio Fognini recover from a terrible fall during their 2023 Rio Open Round-of-16 clash on Thursday. After Fognini winced in pain soon after he went down trying to chase a shot from Alcaraz, the World No. 2 displayed great spirit of sportsmanship in the situation.
The incident took place in the second set with the Spaniard in cruise control of proceedings after Fognini clinched the opening set in a tiebreaker. Serving at 4-1, Alcaraz played a drop shot during the first point of the game, forcing Fognini to rush towards the ball from well behind the baseline.
The Italian chased the ball down but played it wide, losing his balance in the process and suffering a nasty fall, seemingly hurting his ankle. Alcaraz was quick to check on Fognini before going to the other side of the net to help him get back to his feet so that he wouldn't strain the injury even more.
You can take a look at the incident here:
Luckily for Fognini, the fall did not impact the remainder of his match, and he had his right ankle taped after winning the opening set.
The 35-year-old continued to challenge the superstar teenager and made things tricky for him throughout the match, but Alcaraz was up to the task, winning 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to extend his winning run to six matches after starting his season in Buenos Aires last week.
Alcaraz faces Dusan Lajovic next, this time in the quarterfinals. The two players faced each other at the same stage less than a week ago at the Argentina Open, with the 19-year-old Spaniard winning 6-4, 6-2.
"A beautiful year awaits" - Carlos Alcaraz exudes confidence for 2023 season
After making an unfortunate start to his year that forced him to miss the Australian Open due to an injury, Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time in getting his season up and running by winning his first tournament in Buenos Aires. Bringing that confidence into the ongoing Rio Open and hoping to take it beyond, Alcaraz declared that a "beautiful year" on tour awaits him with "beautiful tournaments."
While he is aware that he has many points to defend in 2023 after a stellar 2022, which brings more pressure, the Spaniard is focused only on enjoying his tennis and is confident about his chances.
"Truth is a beautiful year awaits, with beautiful tournaments," Carlos Alcaraz told Marca on the sidelines of the Rio Open.
"It is true there will be a little pressure to defend important titles. I will have to play at a good level, nut, as I always say, I play every match thinking I have to enjoy it, much beyond the results."
His first major challenge in that regard will come early next month at the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open. Alcaraz will defend 360 points at Indian Wells courtesy of last year's run to the semifinals there. He will then defend 1000 points in Miami, where he won his maiden Masters 1000 title last season.
