Alcaraz Advances in US Open After “Accidental Haircut”
Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, continues his path at the US Open with a resounding victory in the second round. The triumph came after a match in which Alcaraz demonstrated his superiority, securing his place in the next phase of the tournament. Alcaraz, who recently got a haircut after an “accident” with his brother, needed just over an hour and a half to defeat the Italian Mattia Bellucci, number 65 in the world, with partials of 6-1, 6-0 and 6-3. The match was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium under the night lights. Alcaraz’s performance was remarkable, winning 86% of the points with his first serve and not facing any break opportunities. In addition, he achieved a 32-11 lead in winners. His four lost games equaled his fewest in a completed Grand Slam match. This victory contrasts with what happened in the second round of Flushing Meadows in 2024, where Alcaraz suffered a straight-sets defeat. Alcaraz, who won his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, commented on his performance:The Spanish tennis player has won all of his service games in the first two rounds at Flushing Meadows and has held serve in 32 consecutive games, counting from the Cincinnati Open semifinals. This victory represents Alcaraz’s 79th triumph in a Grand Slam tournament, in his 19th participation. In the Open era, only John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Rafael Nadal have achieved more victories in their first 19 appearances in tournaments of this category. Alcaraz will seek his 80th victory on Friday against Luciano Darderi, number 32 in the world, in what will be the first match between the two tennis players.“I played great, to be honest. Today wasn’t his day. I tried to make the most of his mistakes”.
Carlos Alcaraz
