Carlos Alcaraz is into yet another final, having stumbled past Lorenzo Musetti in a match littered with errors.
Combined, the two shared over 80 unforced errors, with many of these misfires attributed to one consistent factor: the conditions at the Italian Open.
Whilst some might bemoan those who blame such factors for their failure, it cannot be denied the effect it has. And, as the tournament has gone on, these complaints have only grown in size and stature.
Italian Open conditions criticised again
Coco Gauff criticised the conditions at the Italian Open earlier this week despite having reached the final, helping to solidify the grumbles emerging from other players at the event too.
And now, speaking live on Sky Sports Tennis during Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Musetti, Olympic silver medalist and pundit Laura Robson has concurred.
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She noted: ‘It wasn’t the worst but it wasn’t the easiest either. The wind is very swirly on this centre court because of how swirly it is.
‘There has been talks through the players’ lounge all week about how the bad bounces are an issue, especially on centre. There are these big pockets of clay that can just jump up and it really jumps off the lines too, but I think you just have to accept that.
‘Everyone is playing in the same conditions and it’s about how patient you can play.’
Alexander Zverev also complained about the conditions in Rome, but his anger fell on deaf ears. Now, his movement seems to be gaining traction.
Carlos Alcaraz beats Lorenzo Musetti to reach Italian Open final
Although conditions were difficult, with swirling winds and dodgy bounces galore, Alcaraz still showcased more than enough quality to reach yet another final earlier today.
Much to the dismay of the home crowd, whose support was not enough to will another Italian into the final after Jasmine Paolini’s success this week.
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Almost every game saw the server faced with a break of serve, and despite leading the bulk of the second set, it was the Spaniard who came out on top in the tiebreak.
He turns up when he needs to, and even not at his best, he dispatched a red-hot Musetti in straight sets.
The question is whether he will be at the requisite level to challenge Tommy Paul, should he do the unthinkable, or Jannik Sinner, should he maintain his daunting form on his return to tennis.