NEW YORK – Carlos Alcaraz powered into the third spherical of the US Open on Wednesday with a dominant 6-1 6-0 6-3 win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, admitting afterwards that recollections of final yr’s shock second-round exit had been weighing on his thoughts.
The Spaniard broke his opponent’s serve seven occasions with out dealing with a single break level within the first match of the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, sending down 32 winners and profitable 86% of his first serve factors.
Second seed Alcaraz, champion in 2022, ensured there can be no repeat of his early departure final yr, setting the tone by breaking Bellucci twice initially of the opening set, showcasing his highly effective forehand and sharp volleys.
“I performed nice from the start to the final ball,” Alcaraz mentioned in his on-court interview. “I do know Mattia’s degree and as we speak wasn’t his day. I attempted to profit from his errors, attempting to be within the match getting an excellent rhythm.”
The Italian received a cheer from the gang when he received on the board to keep away from a bagel within the first set, however there was no stopping Alcaraz from delivering a flawless 6-0 sweep within the second.
Bellucci struggled to seek out any rhythm in opposition to the Spaniard’s aggression from the baseline.
Afterwards, Alcaraz mentioned that his straight-sets loss to Botic van de Zandschulp on the identical stage final yr had been taking part in on his thoughts.
“If I am trustworthy, I considered final yr once I stepped on the court docket. Some dangerous ideas,” he mentioned. “I used to be nervous about it, like considering, okay, I do not wish to do the identical factor as I did final yr, dropping within the second spherical.
“I feel I performed a very strong match as we speak. I simply set some targets at the start of the match, which I feel I did fairly properly.
“There are some issues that I’ve to enhance that I did not do in addition to I needed, however basically, actually blissful.”
Alcaraz marked the win with the identical golf swing celebration he produced after his opening spherical victory over Riley Opelka, the place he was watched on by five-time main champion Rory McIlroy.
“It is getting higher with the tennis racket this yr,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I’ve to say it. Yeah, I did it within the first spherical as a result of Rory was there, and I feel I personal it.”
Subsequent up for Alcaraz is a third-round conflict with Italian Luciano Darderi.
—Reuters