Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the second round of the US Open after a challenging four-set match against Australian qualifier Li Tu, winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. This victory marked Alcaraz’s 60th major match win and extended his winning streak in Grand Slam matches to 15. The 21-year-old Spanish star is pursuing his third consecutive major title and his fifth in total, aiming to join the ranks of Rod Laver and Rafael Nadal as the only players in the Open Era to secure the Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open titles in the same year.
In his post-match remarks, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his overall performance while acknowledging areas for improvement. He commended Tu for his strong performance, particularly during the second set, which featured unexpected challenges for Alcaraz.
Wearing a sleek all-black outfit, Alcaraz quickly took control of the match, earning a set lead and a break early on. However, Tu, competing against a top 50 opponent for the first time, rallied in the second set, pressuring Alcaraz’s service and capitalizing on opportunities to level the match. Alcaraz noted a significant increase in unforced errors from just two in the first set to 18 in the second, which he identified as a crucial factor in the match.
Alcaraz bounced back after the second set, refining his play and hitting 50 winners throughout the match. He earned 19 break point opportunities, converting seven, and won 80% of his first serve points.
In the next round, Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp, who defeated Denis Shapovalov in straight sets. Tu, competing in a Grand Slam for only the second time, displayed impressive skills and drew cheers from the crowd, marking a memorable experience in his tennis journey.