Alcaraz begins his Buenos Aires championship defense with a victorious clay return.
In his first encounter since losing in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Argentine qualifier Camilo Ugo Carabelli in straight sets on Thursday at the IEB+ Argentina Open.
Alcaraz prevailed 6-2, 7-5, saving two match points in the second set before taking the next two games to round out the match at the ATP 250.
In his first clay-court match of 2024, the Spaniard came from behind in both sets, easily shifting through the gears early on. He also adjusted his game. However, Ugo Carabelli stormed back with his aggressive strategies from 2 to 5 in the second.
The Argentine built a 0/40 opening at 5-5 after saving a match point at 5-3 and 5-4, but Alcaraz won nine of the next ten games to complete the victory.
This match has been incredibly difficult. He has excellent rhythm, is a pretty skilled player, and is a fierce fighter. Playing my game, he was incredibly difficult to beat in the match, Alcaraz remarked after the contest.
I won’t lie, I became a little anxious at first because of the people standing behind him and encouraging him. Naturally, I think it’s normal, but I’m thrilled with my first clay-court match since Roland Garros. I’m hoping to keep getting better and better.
Having won home titles in Barcelona and the Madrid ATP Masters 1000 the previous season, the top-seeded Spanish player is attempting to successfully defend a championship for the third time in his professional career.
He advances to the quarterfinals and will face either Sebastian Baez of Argentina or Luigi Darderi of Italy on Friday.
Against Ugo Carabelli, Alcaraz used two five-game runs to take control of both games. They won the first set 1-2 and the second set 6-2, respectively.
However, just as it appeared that Alcaraz would easily cross the finish line, the Argentine, who was going for his first-ever tour-level quarterfinal and his greatest career victory, bravely put up a fight to stiffen his defense in front of his home supporters.
According to Infosys ATP Stats, the World No. 134 consistently and successfully attacked Alcaraz’s second serve throughout the match, winning 15 of 17 second-serve return points, including all nine in the second set.
Alcaraz, however, steadied himself late in the second set and held for 6-5 before his forehand keyed the break that sealed the victory. Alcaraz made seven consecutive first serves to do this.
