Carlos Alcaraz has managed to reach the second round at the Vienna Open in Basel with the former World No.1 sealing it 6-4, 7-5 against Karen Khachanov in a brilliant match.
Alcaraz improves to 7-0 vs Khachanov who is the first player against whom he has won all seven of their first meetings. He goes to 34-5 in 2026 as he aims for his late season push which will include Paris, Davis Cup and ATP Finals.
The opening set was very much a battle and showed a sign of things to come for Alcaraz. He was broken at 3-2 and Khachanov led the charge, but Khachanov was broken straight back as the Russian's initial stranglehold waned.
He went 4-3 down and Alcaraz even had break points to go 5-3 up, but he couldn't produce as Khachanov in a protracted game managed to level up. But that basically dampened his hopes of winning the set as Alcaraz sped through sealing an easy hold and then broke to win the opening set.
In the second, it was a lot closer in the end and could've gone to a third set. Alcaraz led 1-0 and then 2-1, the first break chances came on his racquet early on in the set as Khachanov held for 3-3. Alcaraz was 40-15, but he missed chances and Khachanov managed to hold albeit Alcaraz held next game to lead again at 4-3.
Match points came at 5-4 up as he missed three and he nearly paid for it. Khachanov broke for 6-6 as he levelled up. But Alcaraz also nearly went down another set as Khachanov did the running up 3-1 and 5-4 in the tie-break.
Only for Alcaraz to spin it round and claim it 7-5. A typically Khachanov test and one that was tougher than the straight sets scoreline suggests. Tommy Paul is the only other player through taking down Andrey Rublev in straight sets 7-5, 6-2.
Alexander Zverev, Cam Norrie and Flavio Cobolli to come later today to end the day in Vienna.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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