Carlos Alcaraz turned heads with a fresh buzz cut at the U.S. Open, but it was his tennis that stole the show on Monday as the second seed powered past Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the second round.
Idman.biz, citing Reuters, reports that the 22-year-old, aiming for his second Grand Slam title of the season, overcame the American’s huge serve with sharp returns and composure in key moments.
Alcaraz broke early in the first set and never looked back, holding off two break points in the second before breaking Opelka in the 11th game. In the third, he capitalized on a foot fault and errant serving to secure another break and closed the match with authority.
Speaking afterward, Alcaraz joked about his new look, asking fans if they approved: “Did you like it guys? I think they like it.” He praised Opelka’s power but said staying focused was key: “It’s hard when someone doesn’t let you play your game. You just have to put as many returns in as possible.”
Next up for the Spaniard is Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, who advanced after Shang Juncheng retired.
Idman.biz
