UPDATE: Carlos Alcaraz has stormed into the second round of the U.S. Open, defeating Reilly Opelka with a decisive score of 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on September 4, 2023. The young Spaniard showcased a powerful performance, leaving no doubt about his championship aspirations.
The match not only highlighted Alcaraz’s tennis prowess but also his striking new buzz cut, a style he humorously attributed to a family mishap. “I just wanted to get a haircut and suddenly my brother just misunderstood the machine,” Alcaraz explained, adding, “To be honest, it’s not that good… [I mean] it’s not that bad, I guess.” Despite the haircut mishap, Alcaraz’s game was anything but flawed.
Alcaraz delivered an impressive 23 winners while committing just 17 unforced errors. He achieved a remarkable 86 percent success rate on his first service points against Opelka, known for his formidable serving skills, and he did not face a single break point throughout the match.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenges posed by Opelka’s powerful serve, reaching speeds over 140 mph and delivering 14 aces. “It was difficult for me to get the good rhythm and the good feeling from the baseline,” he noted. Yet, his agility and strategic returns kept him ahead.
Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “I just wanted to keep it going.” He plans to step up his training ahead of his next match against Mattia Bellucci, a 24-year-old Italian player he has never faced before. “On Tuesday, I will try to practice a little bit to get more rhythm,” he stated, hinting at his goal to maintain momentum as the tournament progresses.
As a five-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz’s victory today not only boosts his confidence but also establishes him as a serious contender in this year’s U.S. Open. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching his next match as he aims to continue this strong start.
With the U.S. Open’s intense competition heating up, Alcaraz’s blend of skill and determination promises thrilling matches ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as he continues his quest for another title.
