Carlos Alcaraz defeats Li Tu to advance to the second round of the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz, aged 21, faced a challenging match against Australian qualifier Li Tu, 28, in the opening round of the US Open on Tuesday, ultimately securing a victory with scores of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The four-time Grand Slam champion, who recently lost to Novak Djokovic in the Paris Olympics final, began the match strongly but encountered difficulties, leading to a loss of the second set due to accumulating errors.

However, Alcaraz regained his composure, executing a decisive forehand to break serve and take a 4-3 lead in the third set, after which he maintained control and concluded the match with his eighth ace, setting up a second-round clash with Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp.

Li Tu, originally from Adelaide, had taken a six-year hiatus from tennis starting in 2014 to pursue a degree and establish a tennis academy. He triumphed in three qualifying matches to make his debut on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court against the tournament's third seed.

"Clearly, he surprised me a bit," Alcaraz remarked during an on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios, who is serving as an analyst for ESPN at Flushing Meadows.

"He began the match somewhat nervously, but after the first set, he elevated his game and started playing exceptional tennis.

"I will be following his progress closely, as I am confident, I will see him around in the near future."

Alcaraz dominated the first set, leading the audience to expect a straightforward match. However, Tu shifted momentum with a remarkable passing shot that allowed him to take a 5-4 lead in the second set, breaking Alcaraz's serve with an impressive one-handed backhand down the line, which energized the crowd.

As the match progressed into the third set, Alcaraz's power began to take its toll on Tu in the sweltering conditions, and the Spaniard ultimately secured the win, expressing gratitude to the fans for creating an "electric" atmosphere.

"It is one of the most electrifying courts and crowds I have ever played in front of," he stated.

"It is a privilege to compete on this court and to have the audience enjoy my tennis once again."

Alcaraz secured victory at the French Open in June and subsequently overcame Djokovic to claim the title at Wimbledon a month later. However, he experienced significant disappointment after not meeting expectations at the Paris Games, followed by an unexpected loss to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open.

The Spaniard, who triumphed at the US Open in 2022, displayed no indications that his mobility was hindered by a right ankle injury sustained during a practice session on Saturday.