MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Alcaraz overcomes minor setback to secure first-round victory

Carlos Alcaraz comfortably defeated Lin Tu in his US Open debut, winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, securing his 15th consecutive Grand Slam victory after claiming titles at the French Open and Wimbledon. The World No. 1 advanced past a relatively unknown opponent making his first appearance in the US Open main draw.

On paper, the Spaniard was the overwhelming favorite and started the match by living up to expectations. Alcaraz (No. 3) secured two consecutive breaks and quickly raced to a 4-0 lead against the New Zealander. Although Tu managed to hold his serve a couple of times, Alcaraz was nearly flawless on his own serve, dropping just two points throughout the first set.

In the second set, Tu appeared more competitive against Alcaraz. After holding his serve, Tu saved several break points in the fifth game, keeping the set level. Alcaraz eventually broke serve in the seventh game, seemingly setting himself up to take the second set. However, inconsistencies from the Spaniard led to him losing his serve twice in a row, allowing Tu to take the set 6-4.

It was a shock at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the relatively unknown New Zealander took a set from the four-time Grand Slam champion. Nevertheless, Alcaraz kept his composure for the remainder of the match. In the third set, he overcame a couple of break points against him and broke serve in the seventh and ninth games, closing out the set 6-3.

The final set was entirely in Alcaraz's favor, as he secured two consecutive breaks and raced to a 5-0 lead, even having two match points to close out the set with a bagel. However, Tu managed to hold his serve one last time before Alcaraz secured the victory, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

The Spaniard has now reached 60 Grand Slam match victories at just 21 years old. In the second round, he will face Botic van de Zandschulp (No. 74), who upset Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.