UPDATE: Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the second round of the U.S. Open with an impressive victory over Reilly Opelka, winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 just moments ago. The match showcased Alcaraz’s skill and agility, despite his new buzz cut being the result of an unexpected family mishap.
Alcaraz’s performance was nothing short of exceptional as he unleashed 23 winners while maintaining a formidable defense with only 17 unforced errors. He dominated his first service points, winning an astonishing 86 percent against Opelka, known for his powerful serves. Notably, Alcaraz did not face a single break point during the match.
Reflecting on his new look, Alcaraz shared humorously, “I just wanted to get a haircut, and suddenly my brother misunderstood the machine. The only way to fix it is just to shave it off.” He added that the haircut has made him feel “faster” on the court, and indeed, he was quick to adapt against the hard-serving Opelka.
Opelka, standing at 6-foot-11, delivered a striking 14 aces and served at speeds exceeding 140 mph. However, Alcaraz’s tactical returns kept him in control, as he focused on maintaining rallies and finding his rhythm. “Today was really difficult to get the good rhythm,” Alcaraz admitted, acknowledging Opelka’s challenging style.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz expressed his eagerness to improve further in practice, stating, “The next round is going to be with more rhythm, playing more points from the baseline.” He is set to face Mattia Bellucci, a 24-year-old Italian player, in the next round—marking their first encounter.
As Alcaraz continues his quest for another Grand Slam title, fans can expect to see more of his dynamic play in the days ahead. The U.S. Open, taking place in New York, is already proving to be an exciting tournament, with Alcaraz positioned as a standout contender after this impressive showing.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses, and watch for Alcaraz’s next match, which promises to deliver more thrilling moments on the court.