Alcaraz ended up winning 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-6(2) in a match that lasted nearly four hours and drew comparisons by some to Rafael Nadal.
He spoke afterwards and carried a mindset ahead of his years into the match which he will hope to take forward for the rest of the tournament.
"I will remember Rio forever," said Alcaraz. "I am very happy to win my first ATP Tour match. This has been the longest and most intense match I've played so far. There were quite difficult conditions, but if you have the right attitude, the conditions don't matter. You can achieve anything."
"I always have positive thoughts. I always think I can win, no matter who the opponent is," Alcaraz added. "If you don't think you can win, you shouldn't go on the court."
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