Queens, NY—–After a two-day delay, Carlos Alcaraz commenced his US Open title defense with a blend of power and finesse, overcoming initial jitters to secure a convincing victory over Lloyd Harris on Wednesday night, inching closer to a rare back-to-back triumph in New York.
Displaying his trademark blend of formidable power and agile court movement, the crowd-favorite Spaniard delivered a dominant performance within the confines of Arthur Ashe Stadium, clinching a comfortable 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory over the 177th-ranked South African.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his overall game, particularly highlighting the elevated level showcased during the second set. “I think I played a great match from the beginning until the last ball,” remarked Alcaraz. “If I have to keep something from the match, I’m going to keep the level from the second set.”
The 20-year-old prodigy from Spain’s southeastern coast is vying to etch his name in history as the first men’s champion to secure consecutive victories at Flushing Meadows since Roger Federer’s five-year reign from 2004 to 2008. However, achieving this feat will demand sharper play in the upcoming matches as the competition intensifies.
Alcaraz, the youngest top seed in the history of the US Open men’s draw, had a fortuitous start to the tournament when his first-round opponent, Dominik Koepfer of Germany, retired due to an ankle injury early in their match.
Facing a tougher challenge against Harris, who boasts a formidable serve and previously reached the US Open quarter-finals, Alcaraz showcased his prowess in constructing points and executing exceptional shotmaking. Despite a spirited effort from Harris in the early stages, Alcaraz’s relentless pressure gradually wore down his opponent’s resistance.
Employing a blend of thunderous groundstrokes and deft net play, Alcaraz broke Harris’s serve in the fifth game of the opening set, maintaining composure to clinch it. The Spaniard’s dominance continued into the second set as Harris struggled with his first serve, leading to another break in Alcaraz’s favor.
Although Harris mounted a brief resurgence in the third set, Alcaraz’s mental fortitude proved decisive as he swiftly regained control, ultimately securing victory in a tension-filled tiebreaker.
Reflecting on his mindset during crucial moments, Alcaraz emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and resilience after setbacks. “I had to forget [the break],” Alcaraz admitted. “I did such a bad game. I had to stay focused and wait for my chances in the return.”
With an eye on efficiency, Alcaraz aims to streamline his performance after last year’s marathon title run, where he spent a record-breaking 23 hours and 40 minutes on court. Despite occasional errors in Wednesday’s match, Alcaraz remains determined to maintain his high standards as he progresses through the tournament.
Next up for Alcaraz is a third-round clash against Britain’s Dan Evans, a formidable opponent whom Alcaraz acknowledges will pose a tough challenge. “He’s a really tough player,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “I will play my best. I will have to return very, very well if I want to win that match. Let’s see how it’s going to be.
