The ATP-ranked number 2 and the 2022 US Open champion wins his 19th first-round game against American Reilly Opelka, 4-6, 5-7, 4-6.
The five-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz makes his way to the second round of the US Open 2025 after thrashing the American at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard also adds one more record to his name.
The world number 2 becomes the third player in the Open Era to win 19 first-round games in Grand Slam contests after Bjorn Borg and his idol, Rafael Nadal, according to Tennis.com. Even though he ended the game in straight sets, Opelka provided few daunting comebacks in all three sets.
In the opening set, the American started by winning the first game and battled hard to keep both at level 4-4. However, Carlos, with a greater ace serve experience, edged past two more points to claim the first set. The second set saw a nerve-wrecking contest between the two, as Reilly Opelka twice gained a lead at 3-2 and 5-4 but failed to maintain it against the Spaniard.
Despite losing back-to-back sets, the 6’11 had no hopes to back down as he fought hard and again earned a lead at 2-1 and 4-3. But no.2 went furious and kept his champion stint by finishing the game in straight sets.
Last year, Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out in the second round as his rival Jannik Sinner triumphed at the US Open 2024. Although this year, with a thunderous form, the Spaniard will look to win his second title of the year after a nail-bitting Frech Open trophy.