Fabian Marozsán, ranked 135th in the world, delivered a stunning upset at the Italian Open in Rome by defeating Carlos Alcaraz, who is set to claim the world No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic next week. Alcaraz’s 12-match winning streak came to an end as he suffered a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) defeat at the hands of the Hungarian qualifier.
Marozsán, previously unfamiliar with ATP main draws or victories against top-100 players, now finds himself in the tournament’s last 16 after halting Alcaraz’s impressive run. The 23-year-old Marozsán showcased a formidable level of play, surprising Alcaraz with his high quality and consistency throughout the match. Alcaraz acknowledged Marozsán’s talent, stating that he believed the Hungarian would soon break into the top 100 rankings.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz admitted that he did not perform at his best and struggled to match Marozsán’s level. He praised Marozsán’s steady performance and acknowledged that if he continues to play at such a high level, he will surprise many other players in the future.
In the first set, Marozsán caught Alcaraz off guard with the power of his forehand and employed well-executed drop shots, mirroring Alcaraz’s own style of play. Alcaraz managed to save a break point at 5-5 in the second set and even led 4-1 in the tiebreak. However, Marozsán turned the tide by reeling off six consecutive points, sealing one of the most significant upsets of the season.
Following his remarkable victory, Marozsán expressed his elation, describing it as a dream come true. He expressed gratitude for defeating the world No. 1 and acknowledged Alcaraz’s standing as the best in the sport. Marozsán’s next challenge will be against Croatia’s Borna Coric in the tournament’s fourth round.
