SHANGHAI: Belgium’s Zizou Bergs beat second seed Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in the third round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Monday at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
Bergs, ranked 39th, converted his first match point in 2 hours and 3 minutes. The victory secured his place in the fourth round and ended the Spaniard’s campaign.
“It’s a little disbelief and not feeling too much,” the 27-year-old said afterwards.
He said he focused on the points rather than immediately taking in the result. Bergs expected his happiness at the win to become clearer once he settled down.
Alcaraz began strongly, but Bergs took the first break to lead 3-2 in the opening set. The Spaniard broke back in the next game. Errors then disrupted Alcaraz’s progress.
He repeatedly sent shots into the net and double-faulted, giving Bergs a break point in the 11th game. A short volley helped Bergs secure the opening set.
During the second set, Alcaraz showed frustration and spoke towards his corner after misfired shots. Bergs won the fourth and eighth games without dropping a point.
Serving for the match at 5-4, the Belgian lost his advantage when Alcaraz broke back. However, he recovered in the tie-break to prevent a deciding set.
For the 23-year-old former world number one, the defeat interrupted his return to the tour after months out through injury.
Bergs next faces Tommy Paul, who defeated defending champion Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2 in the third round.
(With additional input from AFP)
