Carlos Alcaraz qualified for the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. He beat Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets, 6-1 6-0 6-3. Alcaraz admitted that last year’s early exit was on his mind before the match.
The Spaniard dominated from the start. He broke Bellucci’s serve seven times and did not face a single break point. Alcaraz hit 32 winners and won 86 percent of his first serve points. He set the tone by breaking Bellucci twice at the start of the first set. His forehand and volleys impressed the crowd.
Alcaraz spoke after the match. He said, “I played great from the beginning to the last ball. I know Mattia’s level, and today was not his day. I tried to make the most of his mistakes and keep a good rhythm.”
Bellucci earned a cheer when he finally won a game in the first set. The second set ended with a flawless 6-0 for Alcaraz. The Italian could not find a rhythm against Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline play.
Alcaraz also admitted that he remembered last year’s loss to Botic van de Zandschulp. “I thought about last year when I stepped on the court. I was nervous, not wanting the same second-round exit,” he said. He added that he set goals before the match and felt he achieved them.
Alcaraz celebrated his win with his signature golf swing, a gesture he also used in the first round. He joked about perfecting it with a tennis racket. “It’s getting better this year. I did it in the first round because Rory (McIlroy) was watching, and now I own it,” he said.
Next, Alcaraz will face another Italian, Luciano Darderi, in the third round. He will look to continue his strong start and keep his U.S. Open campaign on track.
