Giulio Zeppieri heads high after Carlos Alcaraz: his promise

Only a close call, but the knowledge that they can play it out at the highest level.

Giulio Zeppieri had long dreamed of hitting the final of the ATP 250 tournament in Umag, forcing Carlos Alcaraz into a nearly three-hour-long battle that the Spaniard won in three sets (7-5, 4-6, 6-3). Cramps were fatal for the Italian, but pride is high.

“I am really happy with my performance, because I played a very good match. There were several long and very hard-fought exchanges, everything was extremely intense. Clearly I don’t feel good, because of cramps, but I feel positive. I sense good vibes for my future,” Zeppieri admitted in the press conference.

For him, pride and determination are now mixed. “I was playing against No. 4 or 5 in the world, honestly I am a little surprised that I did so well. This was a new experience for me, which allowed me to raise the bar. I’m glad I did it, and now I want to maintain this level always. He is a champion, but I feel like I countered him well,” he indeed concluded.