Third seed Carlos Alcaraz got off to a winning start at the US Open on Tuesday (August 27). It was a relief for the Spaniard, who entered the tournament after a shocking first-round loss at Cincinnati to Gael Monfils.
With Olympic heartbreak and the Cincinnati loss behind him, Alcaraz is looking to make more history. However, when asked about joining Rafael Nadal and Rod Laver in a unique record club, he refused to share his thoughts on the matter.
Alcaraz could become only the second player after Laver and Nadal to win the last three Grand Slams of the season. Laver achieved this twice, winning all four Grand Slam titles in 1962 and 1969.
After this interview, I'm not going to think about it. I'm just gonna clear my mind and try to make that I never hear it.Carlos Alcaraz in an interview with ESPN
Nadal joined the Australian legend in this record club after winning the last three Grand Slam titles in 2010. Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
Carlos Alcaraz begins bid for second US Open title
2022 US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz was on his way to an easy first-round win at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday (August 27) night. However, he had to adjust his game after facing some challenges in the second set against Australian Li Tu.
The 21-year-old, aiming for his 15th major match win, beat the World No. 186 qualifier with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 scoreline. Alcaraz hopes to join the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic) to win three Grand Slams in one season in this century.
Alcaraz, dressed in a sleeveless, all-black outfit, quickly gained a set and a break under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. But Tu, playing his first match against a Top 50 player, found his rhythm and started to challenge the Spaniard’s second serve with aggressive returns.
After losing three games in a row, including a tough 10-minute service game, Alcaraz dropped the second set. He then reduced his unforced errors and took control of the match, using his forehand to dominate and force mistakes from Tu’s one-handed backhand.
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