Carlos Alcaraz Stunned By Belgian Veteran David Goffin In Miami
NDTV
World number three Carlos Alcaraz crashed out of the Miami Open in his first outing on Friday, with Belgian veteran David Goffin pulling off a shock 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win at Hard Rock Stadium.
World number three Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock early exit from the Miami Open on Friday as Belgian veteran David Goffin fought back for an inspired 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday. The 34-year-old Goffin beat Alcaraz three years ago in Astana in their last meeting and sensing the Spaniard was far from his best in the opening set, he went on the attack. The 55th-ranked Goffin, whose world ranking reached No.7 in 2017, struck some glorious winners while Alcaraz was struggling with unforced errors.
The slightly built Goffin was up by a break in all three sets but having let Alcaraz recover in the first he showed poise and calm to stay on top.
"It's that kind of night that I will remember for sure -- against Carlos and in a stadium like that. And the night that gave me a lot of confidence to continue," Goffin said.
Alcaraz was blunt in his assessment of his performance.
"In general, it was a poor level from me, I didn't play well," said Alcaraz who said he hed felt a little heavy in his legs despite coming into the game feeling in good shape.
"I thought I was going to play really good tennis but it didn't happen...playing a break down in the third set, not feeling great or confident physically, it's really tough to get back," he added.
