Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz secured a convincing victory this Thursday, defeating Argentina’s Federico Coria in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-1, 7-5. The win advances Alcaraz to the third round of the US Open, where he will face American Jenson Brooksby.
Having reached the quarterfinals in New York last year, Alcaraz navigated his match with Coria in two hours and ten minutes, showcasing his signature style and drawing applause for his performance at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
That victory marked Alcaraz’s 46th win of the season, tying him with Stefanos Tsitsipas for the most wins in 2022. He stands among a group of players who could claim the world No. 1 ranking depending on upcoming results, including Spaniard Rafael Nadal, Norwegian Casper Ruud, and the current leader, Daniil Medvedev of Russia.
from Rio to New York
When Alcaraz first played Coria, the Spaniard was 17 and ranked 406th globally. That meeting came in Rio de Janeiro in 2020, with Coria prevailing in three sets after stealing Alcaraz’s first tour win against Spaniard Albert Ramos.
Two and a half years later, Alcaraz has risen dramatically, turning heads at just 18 with performances that have reshaped expectations in the sport.
Last year he reached the New York quarterfinals, and this season he has claimed four titles, including Masters 1000 victories in Miami and Madrid. He celebrated turning 19 on May 5 and has become one of the most anticipated players in New York. The organizers gave him a favorable draw on home soil at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Arthur Ashe’s idol
Alcaraz put on a memorable display in his win over Sebastián Báez on Tuesday, and on Thursday he delivered another dynamic, varied performance with strong defense at the net and relentless pressure from the baseline.
The youngster’s rhythm and energy disrupted Coria, who briefly challenged in the third set. Alcaraz pulled away with a nine-game run to take the first set, then dominated the second set 4-0 before wrapping up 6-1.
Alcaraz attacked the net repeatedly, winning fourteen of the fifteen points at the net and neutralizing Coria, who had advanced to the second round by defeating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Coria showed character and pride in the third set, briefly taking a lead and forcing Alcaraz to defend, but costly break points swung the match as Alcaraz tightened his serve late to seal the victory and advance to the third round with a decisive performance in the tenth game of the set.
The third-round opponent will be Jenson Brooksby, who eliminated Cincinnati Masters 1000 defending champion Borna Coric. The two players will meet for the first time, adding another chapter to Alcaraz’s rapidly evolving journey at Flushing Meadows.