Zizou Bergs Knocks Carlos Alcaraz Out In Shanghai Masters Third Round

Zizou Bergs delivered a superlative performance in the Shanghai Masters Round of 32, knocking out Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6(4).

Shanghai Masters remains elusive to Alcaraz, who withdrew from participating in ATP Tours for five months due to an injury. He returned to court at the US Open, losing to Ben Shelton in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown. Earlier this month, he won the Japan Open in Tokyo for his third ATP Tour title of the season. 

Alcaraz started off, winning the first two games before Zizou rallied to leveled 2-2. The Belgian won his first break-point at 5-5 before saving a break too claim a set points. 

The second set was similar, but this time, Alcaraz won his second break-point at 6-5 and forced the set into a tie-break. Zizou was fired up, claiming three consecutive match points to beat Alcaraz. 

"Today it wasn't a good match from my side," Alcaraz lamented. "I didn't play good. I would say it was a really bad level from me, and it was a really good level from him [Zizou Bergs]". Even like that, I think it was a close match. In a few important moments I didn't play my best." 

Alcaraz committed unforced errors that cost him the match. In the first set at 5-5, he committed a forehand unforced error and Zizou won his first break-point advantage. He committal another unfroced error, giving the Belgian a set point at 6-5. 

Zizou will face an American opponent Tommy Paul in the next round. Taylor defeated Valentin Vacherot instraight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the next round.