World No. 4 Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz rebounded from a rough Montreal debut with a commanding win over an American opponent in Cincinnati. He defeated Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-2 in their Masters 1000 opener at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, moving through the first round in straightforward fashion.
With renewed energy, Alcaraz displayed a clear intent to seize momentum early in the match. He finished his opening game on the Grand Stand court in just over an hour and five minutes, and the early burst put him firmly in the driver’s seat as he progressed to the third round.
In the next round, the Spaniard will face the winner of the match between Croatia’s Marin Cilic and Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori, a showdown that will determine his path deeper into the tournament.
Alcaraz reminded observers of his previous success at Indian Wells this year, where he defeated McDonald 6-3 in a decisive victory, reaffirming his competitiveness in high-stakes matches. Earlier this season, he carried a strong run that included a pair of Masters 1,000 titles in Miami and Madrid, underscoring his form heading into Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati match showcased Alcaraz’s efficient serving and aggressive baseline play. He needed only 30 minutes to secure the first part of the contest, showing a relentless offensive approach that unsettled McDonald from the outset. The Spaniard did not allow a single retreat in the opening exchanges, clinching the first set with a selective break at 5-3.
Having overcome a brief stumble last year at Cincinnati where he fell in his first appearance in the main draw to an Italian opponent, Alcaraz now sits with a markedly improved balance for the season. He owns 16 wins against three losses in Masters 1,000 action this year, with victories in Miami and Madrid serving as fortifying markers along the way.
From the first rally, Alcaraz pressed forward with aggressive ball-striking and precise serve placements that limited McDonald’s opportunities. He controlled the tempo, using his movement and power to keep McDonald on the defensive, and the American found it difficult to respond with counterpunching rhythm.
Alcaraz maintained pressure through the second set, turning points into decisive finishes and extracting errors from his opponent. His defense remained sharp, and his willingness to chase balls down and convert on key opportunities helped him extend the lead and close out the match in style. The performance contributed to a string of strong results on fast surfaces this season, adding another layer to Alcaraz’s growing reputation as one of the sport’s elite young talents.
After the win, Alcaraz spoke about the enjoyment of competing on the Cincinnati surface and the energy of the crowd. He reflected on the importance of capitalizing on early momentum and maintaining high-intensity play throughout the match. The interview, conducted at courtside, emphasized the Spaniard’s focus on continuous improvement and his commitment to maintaining top form as the season evolves.
Overall, Alcaraz sits at 43 wins and eight losses this year, marking a strong campaign across the ATP Tour. The rapid ascent this season has included notable performances on faster courts, building a compelling case for his continued success in the Masters 1,000 series and beyond.
Across the rest of the field, other Spanish players faced mixed results in the week’s opening rounds, with Pablo Carreño, Albert Ramos-Vinolas, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina encountering varied outcomes in Montreal and Cincinnati. In one notable matchup, Carreño faced Miomir Kecmanovic, while Ramos experienced a setback against Fabio Fognini, and Davidovich was unable to advance against Nick Kyrgios.
On the health and lineup front, Rafael Nadal remains a focal point for attention as he prepares to debut in Cincinnati against Croatia’s Borna Coric. In the same session, American Marcos Giron was scheduled to play against Paula Badosa, who herself would compete against Ajla Tomljanovic, and Garbiñe Muguruza, who had an anticipated clash with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. This slate of matches highlights the depth and depth of the field as the tournament progresses, with several storylines shaping the week’s results and momentum for key players.
(Source: ATP Tour, ongoing coverage of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and related events.)