UPDATE: In a stunning display, Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Reilly Opelka with a decisive score of 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the U.S. Open on September 5, 2023. The reigning champion showcased remarkable skill, leaving Opelka, one of the hardest servers on tour, struggling to keep pace.
Alcaraz, sporting a new buzz cut that he humorously described as a “familial fluke,” hit an impressive 23 winners while committing just 17 unforced errors. His first serve was dominant, winning 86 percent of his points and facing no break points throughout the match. This performance underscores why Alcaraz is a favorite to retain his title.
“I think I’m faster,” Alcaraz said with a grin when asked about his haircut’s effect on his game. Despite Opelka’s towering 6-foot-11 frame and 14 aces in the match, Alcaraz proved too agile and skilled, demonstrating his ability to adapt under pressure.
The match proved challenging for Alcaraz, who noted Opelka’s serve made it difficult to establish a rhythm. “It was difficult for me to get the good rhythm and the good feeling from the baseline,” he explained. “So I just tried to return well, playing as long a point as I can.”
With this victory, Alcaraz advances to face Mattia Bellucci in the second round, a matchup that will be crucial as he seeks to maintain his momentum. “I just wanted to keep it going,” Alcaraz stated, emphasizing his focus on improving his rhythm in practice leading up to the next round.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Alcaraz can continue his dominant form in pursuit of another Grand Slam title. With the energy of the crowd behind him and a newfound haircut, the champion is poised for an exciting journey ahead.
