Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open 2024 Match Recap
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis sensation, was on the fast track to a decisive opening-round victory at the US Open 2024 on Tuesday night. However, things took a slight detour as he faced a second-set hiccup against the Australian qualifier Li Tu.
Alcaraz extended his impressive major match-winning streak to 15 with a scoreline of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The young Spaniard is gunning for a historic achievement: becoming the third man in the Open Era to secure victories at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open all in the same year, joining legends Rod Laver (1969) and Rafael Nadal (2010).
Match Highlights
Dressed in a stylish all-black ensemble, Alcaraz quickly established control in Arthur Ashe Stadium, racing to a set and a break lead. However, Tu, competing in his first match against a Top 50 player, began to find his rhythm after a shaky start. He cleverly pressured Alcaraz’s second serve with sharp returns, leading to a dramatic shift in momentum.
After dropping three consecutive games—including a grueling 10-minute service game at 4-5 in the second set—Tu managed to level the match by converting his fifth set point, much to the surprise of the crowd.
Alcaraz’s Comeback
Following a challenging second set filled with 18 unforced errors, Alcaraz adjusted his strategy. He tightened up his baseline game and started dictating play with his powerful forehand. The lefty dazzled the audience by stepping around his backhand and delivering an aggressive inside-out shot that ultimately forced errors from Tu’s one-handed backhand.
Looking Ahead
Alcaraz will next face 2021 quarter-finalist Botic van de Zandschulp, who secured his spot by defeating Denis Shapovalov with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. During that match, the Dutchman showcased his skills by winning 61% of his second-serve return points while committing 33 unforced errors, compared to Shapovalov’s 52.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see if Alcaraz can continue his quest for glory at the US Open 2024.
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Yours truly, Mia