Carlos Alcaraz Overcomes Qualifier Challenge To Advance To US Open Second Round
Carlos Alcaraz showcased his dominance at the US Open on Tuesday night, initially cruising through the opening round before adjusting his game to overcome a challenge in the second set against Australian qualifier Li Tu.
The 21-year-old tennis sensation extended his winning streak in Grand Slam matches to 15 with a commanding 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over the World No. 186.
Carlos keeps the Grand Slam winning going! pic.twitter.com/jY6FLBdg5n
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2024
History In Making
Alcaraz is now setting his sights on a historic achievement: joining Rod Laver (1969) and Rafael Nadal (2010) as the third player in the Open Era to win the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open in a single calendar year.
'First of all, I'm really happy to get through and have a chance to be better in the next round,' Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. 'Obviously, I felt well on court. I think I hit the ball well. I moved well'.
Impressive Return
Tu, a native of Adelaide who took a six-year break from tennis starting in 2014 to pursue a degree and launch a tennis academy, has made a remarkable return by winning three qualifying matches. This impressive achievement has earned him his debut on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he will face the third seed.
'Obvious he surprised me a little bit,' Alcaraz said in an on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios, who is working at Flushing Meadows as an ESPN analyst.
"He started the match a little nervous but after the first set he grew up, he started to play great tennis.
"Now I'm going to follow him and his results because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be seeing him around very, very soon."
.@NickKyrgios gets the lowdown on @carlosalcaraz's style 😅 pic.twitter.com/z00csBW6hk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2024
Alcaraz dominated the first set effortlessly, leaving the crowd subdued and seemingly resigned to a one-sided match. However, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Tu executed a stunning passing shot that zoomed past the advancing Alcaraz, securing a 5-4 lead in the second set.
Tu then broke serve with an impressive one-handed backhand down the line, leveling the match and igniting the crowd, who responded with enthusiastic cheers.
In the third set, Alcaraz's powerful game began to wear down Tu under the sweltering heat and humidity. The 21-year-old ultimately secured the victory and expressed gratitude to the fans, praising the "electric" atmosphere they created throughout the match.
"It's one of the most electric courts, electric crowds that I have played in front of," Alcaraz said.
"It's an honour to step on this court and have the people enjoy my tennis once again."
