Alcaraz, Djokovic stay on course at US Open
Carlos Alcaraz demolished Mattia Bellucci to banish memories of last year’s shock early exit, while Novak Djokovic shook off a sluggish start to reach the third round on Wednesday and stay on course for a potential semi-final showdown with the Spaniard.
Alcaraz lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round last year and while he made no mistake this time around he admitted that the stunning straight-sets defeat by the Dutchman had left a mark.
Despite the nerves Alcaraz unleashed 32 winners and won 86% of his first serve points in a clinical 96-minute, 6-1 6-0 6-3 demolition job that sets up a third-round match with another Italian, Luciano Darderi.
Djokovic’s path proved a bit bumpier, the 24-time major winner dropping the opening set before finding his rhythm to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 6-1.
The Serbian’s 14 unforced errors in the first set dwindled to just 11 across the remaining three as he hit his stride at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Svajda, who had poked fun at his own long odds against the former world number one in a now-viral TikTok video, put up a strong showing early on to the delight of home fans before being hampered by an apparent leg injury midway through the match.
Djokovic next faces Briton Cameron Norrie.
World number one Aryna’s Sabalenka’s pursuit of her first major silverware of the year continued with a 7-6(4) 6-2 win over Polina Kudermetova.
The defending champion, who has finished runner-up at two slams this year and exited in the semi-finals of the other, will meet 2021 U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the next round.
The day’s action showcased a mix of American hope and heartbreak across the venue.
Fourth seed, Jessica Pegula, cruised past Anna Blinkova 6-1 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, setting up a meeting with three-time finalist Victoria Azarenka.
The Belarusian had earlier become only the fifth woman in the professional era to claim 100 or more singles main draw wins at hardcourt majors with her 6-3 6-3 victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Pegula’s compatriot Taylor Townsend prevailed 7-5 6-1 against Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in a bad-tempered match that ended on a sour note. -Reuters
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