New York (AFP) – Carlos Alcaraz powered into the US Open third round on Wednesday with a commanding 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. The five-time Grand Slam champion proved much too strong for world number 65 Bellucci as he set up a last-32 tie with another Italian, Luciano Darderi.
“I played great to be honest from the beginning until the last ball,” said Alcaraz. “I know his (Bellucci’s) level. Today wasn’t his day and I tried to make the most of his mistakes. In general I’m just really happy with the performance,” he added. “The less time I spend on court the better for me.”
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Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, suffered a shock second-round loss at last year’s tournament but any prospect of a repeat letdown was quickly dismissed by the Spanish second seed. He won the first five games against Bellucci, the overmatched left-hander offering little resistance in the opening two sets against a player who now leads the ATP with 56 wins and six titles this season.
Alcaraz wrapped up his latest victory in an hour and 36 minutes to stay on a collision course with reigning champion and world number one Jannik Sinner. The pair have combined to sweep the last seven majors and met in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals this year.
© 2024 AFP
