In their first meeting at tour level, Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan halted Carlos Alcaraz’s quest for a maiden title on Roman soil with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory after one hour and 40 minutes at the Foro Italico.
In his on-court interview, the Budapest native said: “It’s not easy to say something. I am very, very happy.”
“I couldn’t imagine this. It was my dream last night, and now it’s true. I just tried to do something special, maybe winning a few games, a set, or something like this, and now I just beat the [World No. 2].”
Headlining the sixth day of competition at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the Spaniard took to the court to play his third-round encounter against the World No. 135, facing a Top 10 player for the first time.
Contesting his first main draw at tour level, the first Hungarian man to advance to the last 16 in 42 years succeeded where so many have failed, taking by storm the favorite, showcasing a stunning performance in front of a packed Campo Centrale.
Marozsan’s high-quality display featured a vast, effective repertoire against the 10-time ATP titlist, who made an uncharacteristically poor start, failing to kick up level with consistency across their matchup.
Alcaraz, who appeared tired at times, was made to work by the two-time ATP Challenger Tour champion, who got off strong, converting his first breakpoint in the fourth game and never looked back.
The 23-year-old marched to notch the first set 6-3, firing 14 winners to just three unforced errors.
As the second set wore on, it became clear he was up for the occasion, adding pressure over the 20-year-old, short of his best tennis.
The U.S. Open champion struggled through the match off the back of a staggering 24 unforced errors with a less-than-convincing display against Mark Pataki’s pupil.
Nonetheless, he never gave up the fight, attempting a comeback in the fifth game, saving three breakpoints to hold serve.
However, Marozsan continued to damage his opponent with his forehand.
After a trade of breaks, Alcaraz drew level at 4-4, as his adversary let slip a breakpoint opportunity, allowing the Murcia born-player to secure the 11th game with an ace at a crucial moment.
The battle intensified, leading to a second-set tiebreak, which the young qualifier dominated to book his ticket into the last 16 in Rome, upsetting the soon-to-be world number one.
In that regard, he outlined: “In the tiebreak, it was 1/4, and I won six points in a row. It’s amazing. I don’t know what happened during the points; I just tried to hit back every ball and do my best. I tried to find out how to win points against him in that tough situation, and it just happened. I don’t know what to say.”
He finished with 30 winners to 7 unforced errors, winning 78 percent of the first serve points, while Alcaraz won 68 percent on his.
Next, he will face 15th seed Borna Coric, who outlasted Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets.
En route to his fourth-round clash, Marozsan beat Frenchman Corentin Moutet and 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka before knocking out the two-time Mutua Madrid Open winner.
In the spotlight, he further commented: “Everything was perfect today. The crowd, the weather, the court. I’m just happy I’m doing my job.”