Incoming world primary Carlos Alcaraz suffered his earliest exit in a match since October when he was crushed by Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan within the Italian Open final 32.
Spain’s Alcaraz, who will substitute Novak Djokovic on the high of the rankings after the occasion, misplaced 6-3 7-6 (7-4).
It was solely the 20-year-old’s second defeat in 22 matches on clay in 2023.
Marozsan, ranked one hundred and thirty fifth, had by no means performed in the primary draw of an ATP Tour occasion till this week in Rome.
However the 23-year-old appeared filled with confidence and unfazed by his opponent, hitting 24 winners and making simply 13 unforced errors.
He’ll play Croatia’s Borna Coric within the fourth spherical after finishing one of many greatest ATP upsets lately.
Second seed Alcaraz had gained his previous 12 matches on clay, having gained back-to-titles titles in Barcelona and Madrid, and is taken into account one the favourites to win the French Open, which begins on 28 Could.
“He shocked me so much, his stage was actually excessive and I am positive he’ll break the highest 100 very quickly,” stated Alcaraz.
“I did not play very properly however he performed at a excessive stage and I could not comply with it.”
Marozsan brought on issues for Alcaraz, who made a excessive variety of uncharacteristic errors, together with his highly effective forehand and cute drop-shots.
Alcaraz saved a break level at 5-5 within the second set which might have left Marozsan serving for the match, and led 4-1 within the ensuing tie-break.
It appeared as if the US Open champion may power a decider regardless of being second greatest all through, however Marozsan stayed cool and fought again by successful the subsequent six factors.
“It’s not straightforward to say one thing. I’m very blissful. It was my dream final evening,” Marozsan instructed Amazon Prime.
“I attempted to do one thing particular, win a number of video games or a set and I’ve simply crushed the world primary.
“I am unable to imagine it. All the things was good in the present day.”
