Carlos Alcaraz has US Open plan after performance worry in ninth-straight win

01 September 2023 , 10:10

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Carlos Alcaraz will face Britain's Dan Evans in the third round as he defends his US Open title (Image: AP)

Carlos Alcaraz hopes to maintain the level he reached in the second set during his second round win as he eyes glory at the 2023 US Open.

The defending champion breezed into the third round with a dominant straight-sets victory over Lloyd Harris. The South African, who used to train with Alcaraz at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy when the Spaniard was 15, put up a brave fight but could do little to stop the World No. 1 from securing a 6-3 6-1 7-6 (4) victory.

Last year, Alcaraz clinched his first Grand Slam title when he spectacularly defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the 2022 US Open final, becoming the youngest-ever World No. 1 at just 19 years of age- in the process. After crushing Harris, Alcaraz realised the level of performance needed if he is to retain his title this time around.

“I think I played a great match from the beginning until the last ball, but if I have to take something from the match I want to keep the level of the second set,” Alcaraz said. “I had to stay focused, stay strong mentally.

“It was pretty good for me and to win in straight sets is really important in the first rounds.”

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

Alcaraz has continued to dominate, winning six titles this season - including a second Grand Slam when he got the better of Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Wimbledon final. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most popular men on tour too, showcasing his incredible power, movement and shot-selection at will.

In the first round on Tuesday, Alcaraz swept through Germany’s Dominik Koepfer in a walkover at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a 6-2 3-2 win as the match ended midway through the second set. He will face British star Dan Evans in the third round.

Elsewhere, sixth seed Jannik Sinner defeated fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets while American star Taylor Fritz, the ninth seed, also saw off Juan Pablo Varillas. Fritz defeated the Peruvian 6-1 6-2 6-2.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev emerged victorious in the clash with national rival Daniel Altmaier, needing four sets to set up a contest with Grigor Dimitrov who eliminated 2012 US Open champion Andy Murray. John Isner retired after a 16-year career following the big-serving American’s five-set loss to compatriot Michael Mmoh.

Andrew Gamble