Alcaraz loses first set at US Open

American Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniel Evans 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 on September 2, to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the third consecutive year.

After three hours and 10 minutes of play, Alcaraz needed a number of incredible shots to eliminate the 26th seed. One of them came when the Spaniard took advantage of a break point in the fourth set. Evans came to the net and continuously pressured Alcaraz, but his excellent movement and power allowed the world number one to counterattack and score a winner.

Alcaraz (right) shakes hands with Evans after the third round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 2. Photo: Sky — Alcaraz (right) shakes hands with Evans after the third round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 2. Photo: *Sky*

By taking advantage of the opportunity to win the only return game of the set, Alcaraz broke the spirit of his British opponent and won the fourth set 6-3. Before that, Evans had caused many difficulties for Alcaraz since the beginning of the second set.

The world No. 28 served and hit a good forehand, and had a nasty slice backhand. Evans won the first two service games, but only won one set. He led 2-0 in the second set but then lost four games in a row to fall 3-6. In the third set, the British player won the only service game to win 6-4.

Alcaraz, with 61 winners to his opponent's 28, dominated most of the match. He had eight break points in the first set, converting two of them to win 6-1. Despite struggling in the next three sets, Alcaraz advanced after three hours and 10 minutes.

"He's a tough opponent, he has a great slice and he always wants to go to the net," Alcaraz said of Evans after the match. "We played a lot of good points, with different situations compared to other matches."

In the next round, Alcaraz will meet 22-year-old phenomenon Matteo Arnaldi - who eliminated Cameron Norrie in just three sets with the scores of 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. The Italian player only participated in his first Grand Slam three months ago, at Roland Garros.

Also advancing after four sets like Alcaraz were Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev. Sinner defeated veteran Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 while Rublev defeated Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5.

Vy Anh

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