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Carlos Alcaraz v Li Tu: US Open 2024 first round – as it happened | US Open Tennis 2024

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Carlos Alcaraz v Li Tu: US Open 2024 first round – as it happened | US Open Tennis 2024
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Fourth set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Tu

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Alcaraz closes the show without hesitation, cracking a pair of forehand winners followed by a 125mph service winner and a 120mph ace. That’s that and the great Carlitos is through to the US Open second round, having extended his win streak at grand slam tournaments to 15 straight matches.

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Alcaraz breaks in ninth game of third set!

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Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 Tu

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The physical toll is starting to tell on Tu’s side of the court. He goes down love-15 then 15-40 in a hail of errors, giving Alcaraz a pair of set points. Tu saves the first with a booming 117mph serve, bouncing around the baseline afterward in an effort to reanimate his rubbery legs. He then saves the second with a 91mph second serve way out wide that Alcaraz can’t return into the court. Deuce. Then the fourth unforced error of this game by Tu sets up a third set point for Alcaraz … and this time he strikes. The No 2 seed is one set from the finish line and looks like he could play another three hours. Tu, not so much.

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Tu breaks in 10th game of second set!

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Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6 Tu

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Alcaraz double-faults for only the second time to open this critical service game. Then another scorching Tu backhand makes it love-30 on Alcaraz’s serve. The Spaniard two points from letting this second set slip away! Alcaraz pulls one back but follows it with a netted forehand for 15-40. Two set points for Tu! Alcaraz saves the first with a 104mph second serve down the center that Tu can’t get back into the court. Another set point for the underdog … and Alcaraz erases with a vicious inside-out forehand followed by a volley winner at the net. Deuce. Alcaraz then wins an extraordinary point, capping a brilliant 13-shot exchange with a forehand passing winner and pumping his fist to the roaring masses. What fight! But we’re back to deuce after Alcaraz sends a backhand into the net.

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Now another double fault by Alcaraz that comes in almost a foot below the tape gives Tu a third crack at a set point. Alcaraz saves this one also when Tu misses the baseline with a forehand by millimeters, a look of disbelief flashing across his face. Deuce once more. And Alcaraz double-faults again! That sets up a fourth set point for Tu … and the indefatigable Alcaraz erases it! Now the Spaniard, clearly pressing in the business end of this marathon game, sprays a backhand wide of the tramlines for a fifth set point. And this time Tu capitalizes, pounding a pinpoint backhand winner into the corner past the outstretched racket of Alcaraz to improbably nail down the second set!

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First set: Alcaraz 6-2 Tu

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Alcaraz flies through the tape with the hold at love and he’s taken the opening set in a brisk 29 minutes. The Spaniard isn’t serving at his customary level, getting only 50% of his first serves in. But he’s won 89% of his second-serve points, denying Tu any opportunity to capitalize.

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Hello and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight’s match between Carlos Alcaraz and Li Tu. We’re courtside inside the world’s largest tennis stadium as the French Open and Wimbledon champion launches his bid for a second US Open title against a 28-year-old Australian qualifier in search of his first man-draw win at a grand slam and first victory over an opponent ranked in the ATP’s top 50.

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Alcaraz looks to extend a 14-match win streak at major tournaments and is looking to become the third man in the open era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open in the same year after Rod Laver in 1969 and Rafael Nadal in 2010. He’ll go off as a healthy favorite against Li Tu, he of the shortest name in professional tennis, who first cracked the top 200 in march and reached a career-high ranking of No 186 shortly after winning the M25 Traralgon title on home soil.

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That’s all for tonight. Thanks as at all times for following together with us and be sure you examine again shortly for our full report off Tuesday night time’s motion.

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Alcaraz wins 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 over Tu!

Fourth set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Tu

Alcaraz closes the present with out hesitation, cracking a pair of forehand winners adopted by a 125mph service winner and a 120mph ace. That’s that and the nice Carlitos is thru to the US Open second spherical, having prolonged his win streak at grand slam tournaments to fifteen straight matches.

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Fourth set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 5-1 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu falls behind love-30, then 15-40, and it’s two match factors for Alcaraz. The Spaniard squanders the primary with a missed volley, then Tu saves the second with an 80mph second serve that clips the web earlier than caroming backward. From there Tu grinds out the maintain, getting on the board on this fourth set and incomes a hearty spherical of applause from the Ashe crowd whereas he grins from ear to ear. They’re not saying boo, they’re saying Tuuuuu!

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Fourth set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 5-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz wastes no time backing up the break, going 119mph ace, forehand winner, forehand winner, 119mph ace to carry at love. Tu will serve to remain within the event after the changeover. In the meantime, Kenin is serving for the match at 5-4 within the third towards Raducanu.

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Alcaraz breaks in fourth sport of fourth set!

Fourth set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 4-0 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu double-faults once more to go behind love-30 on his serve. That’s 16 of the final 17 factors for Alcaraz. The Spaniard then misfires on a few pictures for 30-all, then simply misses on a cross-court backhand. That’s when Tu makes three straight unforced errors, all off the backhand aspect, to present Alcaraz one other break. He grimaces as if the cramps are about to start out, in the event that they haven’t already.

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Fourth set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 3-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz consolodates the break in a rush, capping it with an emphatic ace down the pipe. He’s gained 14 of the final 15 factors.

Over on Grandstand, Sofia Kenin has taken the entrance foot with the early break within the deciding set towards Emma Radudanu. She’s serving at 4-3, two video games from the second spherical.

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Alcaraz breaks in second sport of fourth set!

Fourth set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 2-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

And Alcaraz breaks at love with the exhausted Tu’s serve in whole insurrection. This could possibly be over in brief order.

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Fourth set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

After Tu took a prolonged toilet break between units to recharge, Alcaraz breezes by way of a love maintain. We’re not loving what we see from the Aussie proper now, fitness-wise.

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Alcaraz wins third set, 6-4!

Alcaraz breaks in ninth sport of third set!

Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 Tu

The bodily toll is beginning to inform on Tu’s aspect of the court docket. He goes down love-15 then 15-40 in a hail of errors, giving Alcaraz a pair of set factors. Tu saves the primary with a booming 117mph serve, bouncing across the baseline afterward in an effort to reanimate his rubbery legs. He then saves the second with a 91mph second serve manner out large that Alcaraz can’t return into the court docket. Deuce. Then the fourth unforced error of this sport by Tu units up a 3rd set level for Alcaraz … and this time he strikes. The No 2 seed is one set from the end line and appears like he may play one other three hours. Tu, not a lot.

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Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 5-3 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz backs up the break within the blink of a watch and now Tu will serve to remain within the third set.

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Alcaraz breaks in seventh sport of third set!

Third set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 4-3 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu opens with a 116mph ace earlier than successful a exceptional 19-shot rally with a forehand winner that brings the group to its toes. However the glory is short-lived. Alcaraz responds with a pair of fast winners for 30-all, earlier than a visibly gassed Tu, respiration fairly onerous, makes a transparent fatigue error for 30-40. One other break-point probability for Alcaraz … and this time he converts, ripping a sharply angled forehand from the baseline that Tu can’t deal with!

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Up to date at 21.24 EDT

Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 3-3 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

One other elementary maintain for Alcaraz, together with a pair of blistering service winners capped by a forehand winners from the baseline.

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Third set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 2-3 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Intestine-check second for Tu, who goes behind love-30 earlier than a backhand unforced error from the baseline for 30-40. A break-point probability for Alcaraz, however he fritters it away with a misfired backhand for deuce. A couple of uncomfortable moments later, Tu escapes with the maintain.

A word from reader Laura asks: “Have we lastly given up on [Emma] Raducanu?” contemplating we’ve but to say her ongoing first-round match on Grandstand on this area. I do now see the 2021 US Open ladies’s champion has simply pressured a 3rd and deciding set in her tangle with Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner. Since your devoted narrator is tippy-tapping away from the press seats on Ashe, a fuller evaluation should watch for now … however we’ll hold you posted.

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Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 2-2 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Straightforward maintain for Alcaraz, who has gained eight of the final 10 factors on his racket. Certainly he seems just like the fitter man on court docket in the intervening time.

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Third set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 1-2 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu clears one other hurdle, rattling off 4 fast factors to carry from an uncomfortable love-30 gap.

Li Tu returns a shot to Carlos Alcaraz throughout Tuesday’s match. {Photograph}: Matt Rourke/AP
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Third set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 1-1 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz flies to an easy maintain of serve, capping it with a 125mph ace down the center. After that nightmarish service sport to finish the second (together with three double faults), it’s a lot welcome.

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Third set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6, 0-1 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu opens the third set with a hard-fought maintain in a 14-point service sport, saving a break level at 30-40 alongside the way in which. He’s raised his degree remarkably over the previous half hour as Alcaraz’s has dropped.

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Up to date at 20.56 EDT

Tu wins second set, 6-4!

Tu breaks in tenth sport of second set!

Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-6 Tu

Alcaraz double-faults for under the second time to open this crucial service sport. Then one other scorching Tu backhand makes it love-30 on Alcaraz’s serve. The Spaniard two factors from letting this second set slip away! Alcaraz pulls one again however follows it with a netted forehand for 15-40. Two set factors for Tu! Alcaraz saves the primary with a 104mph second serve down the middle that Tu can’t get again into the court docket. One other set level for the underdog … and Alcaraz erases with a vicious inside-out forehand adopted by a volley winner on the web. Deuce. Alcaraz then wins a rare level, capping a superb 13-shot trade with a forehand passing winner and pumping his fist to the roaring lots. What struggle! However we’re again to deuce after Alcaraz sends a backhand into the web.

Now one other double fault by Alcaraz that is available in nearly a foot under the tape offers Tu a 3rd crack at a set level. Alcaraz saves this one additionally when Tu misses the baseline with a forehand by millimeters, a glance of disbelief flashing throughout his face. Deuce as soon as extra. And Alcaraz double-faults once more! That units up a fourth set level for Tu … and the indefatigable Alcaraz erases it! Now the Spaniard, clearly urgent within the enterprise finish of this marathon sport, sprays a backhand large of the tramlines for a fifth set level. And this time Tu capitalizes, pounding a pinpoint backhand winner into the nook previous the outstretched racket of Alcaraz to improbably nail down the second set!

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Up to date at 21.24 EDT

Second set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-5 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu holds from love-15 down, capping it with a forehand passing winner punctuated by a fist pump, and now Alcaraz will serve to remain within the second set after the change of ends.

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Tu breaks in eighth sport of second set!

Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 4-4 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Properly, this simply received attention-grabbing. Simply when it regarded like Alcaraz was poised to run away with the second set and for all intents and functions the match, the 2022 US Open champion goes behind love-15, then 15-40 after Tu passes him with a shocking backhand winner. That’s two break-point possibilities for Tu. And he solely wants the one! One other scattershot forehand by Alcaraz presents Tu the break, the Adelaide man’s first of the night, and we’re again on degree phrases within the second stanza at 4 video games apiece!

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Alcaraz breaks in seventh sport of second set!

Second set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 4-3 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz retains on making use of stress and finally you crack. Tu goes behind love-15 after an Alcaraz winner, then 15-40 and double break level. Tu saves the primary one with a nifty 118mph physique serve, however a premature double fault presents the Spaniard the break and inside monitor to a two-sets-to-none lead.

Carlos Alcaraz returns a shot to Li Tu throughout Tuesday’s match. {Photograph}: Matt Rourke/AP
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Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 3-3 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz cruises to the stress-free maintain, following a 107mph ace down the center together with his fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth winners.

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Second set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 2-3 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Now it’s Tu’s flip to really feel the warmth. The Aussie goes behind love-30 after a blistering Alcaraz backhand winner on the web. Tu wins three fast factors, together with a stunning backhand volley winner, for 40-30. However a few misfired forehands go away Tu dealing with his first break level of the set. And he saves it! One other serve-and-volley, placing it away with a forehand into the open court docket. Deuce. However one other unforced error off Tu’s forehand offers Alcaraz a second break-point probability. This one he squanders, spraying a forehand large. Moments later Alcaraz has a 3rd take a look at a break and Tu saves this one additionally earlier than escaping with the maintain … however not earlier than attempting an underarm first serve on sport level that failed miserably. It attracts laughs from the group and prompts Tu to apologize to Alcaraz throughout the changeover.

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Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 2-2 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz goes behind love-30 on his serve thanks to a different unforced error adopted by a double fault. The Spaniard is getting a wee bit informal: 5 unforced within the final two video games after solely three within the first 10. However he wins 4 fast factors in succession to carry and stay on serve.

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Second set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 1-2 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu has steadied the ship considerably. He goes forward 30-love because of a few unforced errors by the Alcaraz forehand, then mixes in a serve-and-volley winner that attracts oohs from the group. Alcaraz scratches one level again however escapes with the maintain after one other misfired forehand by the Spaniard. Tu has gained 12 of the final 14 factors on his serve.

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Up to date at 21.24 EDT

Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 1-1 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz goes down love-15 on his serve together with his third unforced error of the night however rattles off 4 fast factors to carry. He’s nonetheless solely misplaced three factors on his serve tonight.

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Second set: *Alcaraz 6-2, 0-1 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu opens the second set with an easy maintain of serve. He crunches his first ace of the night time, a 116mph quantity out large, and will get all of his first serves in excepting a double fault at 30-love.

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Up to date at 19.54 EDT

Alcaraz wins first set, 6-2!

First set: Alcaraz 6-2 Tu

Alcaraz flies by way of the tape with the maintain at love and he’s taken the opening set in a brisk 29 minutes. The Spaniard isn’t serving at his customary degree, getting solely 50% of his first serves in. However he’s gained 89% of his second-serve factors, denying Tu any alternative to capitalize.

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First set: *Alcaraz 5-2 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu falls behind love-30 on his serve and Alcaraz is 2 factors from the set. Alcaraz then donates an unforced error (solely his second of the night time) and Tu follows with a forehand volley winner after a nine-shot rally that prompts roars from the group. Tu then hits a forehand winner into the open court docket following a 116mph serve for sport level, earlier than threading a 95mph second-serve service winner down the center for the gutsy maintain. Alcaraz to serve for the opening set after the change of ends.

Australia’s Li Tu faces a tall order in his US Open main-draw debut. {Photograph}: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
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Up to date at 19.51 EDT

First set: Alcaraz 5-1 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Love maintain for Alcaraz. and one other drama-free service sport for Alcaraz, who’s gained 12 of 14 factors on his racket up to now. Now Tu will serve to remain within the opening set.

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First set: *Alcaraz 4-1 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu is on the board finally however not and not using a struggle! Alcaraz, shifting concerning the court docket with ease and displaying no signal of the twisted ankle he suffered throughout coaching on Saturday, makes him work for each level. However he’s in a position to maintain serve after a lob by Alcaraz misses the mark and the Ashe crowd affords up a hearty spherical of applause that brings a smile to Tu’s face.

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First set: Alcaraz 4-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Alcaraz consolidates once more, pounding a 110mph service winner, a 124mph ace out large and capping it with a forehand winner from contained in the baseline. Already seven winners for the Spaniard with simply the one unforced error.

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Alcaraz breaks in third sport of first set!

First set: *Alcaraz 3-0 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

It’s not getting any simpler for Tu on his serve. He shortly goes triple break level down, mixing in his first double fault of the night time. He’s fends off a pair of them with a few sturdy serves, however one other misfired forehand from the baseline offers Alcaraz a double-break lead after 10 minutes.

Carlos Alcaraz has come out firing in Tuesday’s first-round match towards Li Tu. {Photograph}: Sarah Stier/Getty Photos
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Up to date at 19.50 EDT

First set: Alcaraz 2-0 Tu* (*denotes subsequent server)

Tu will get on the board with fashion, getting the higher of Alcaraz over a 10-shot trade earlier than passing the Spaniard with a backhand winner. However Alcaraz responds with a 116mph ace down the center earlier than rattling off three fast factors for the stress-free maintain.

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Alcaraz breaks in first sport of first set!

First set: *Alcaraz 1-0 Tu (*denotes subsequent server)

A shaky begin for the US Open debutant, who’s shortly damaged at love to start out the match. Alcaraz hits a scorching forehand winner early within the level for 40-love earlier than Tu donates the sport with a forehand unforced error on the web.

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Some backstory for the Adelaide man Li Tu. He made his ITF debut in 2011. He retired in 2014 and was out of the game for six years, incomes his diploma and founding a training academy throughout his time away. Since returning in 2021, he’s gained 9 ITF titles and yet another on the Challenger degree. He exuded confidence throughout his pre-match interview within the tunnel, however make no mistake: this one is as David v Goliath because it will get. Alcaraz has gained 4 of the final seven majors staged, successful 42 of 45 matched over that span.

Carlos Alcaraz, prime, and Li Tu meet on the web earlier than their match. {Photograph}: Matt Rourke/AP
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Up to date at 19.20 EDT

The gamers are on court docket and going by way of their warm-ups. Ashe is about two-thirds empty in the intervening time however the teeming queues exterior by the fountains recommend it will likely be filling up shortly. We must be underneath manner in a few minutes.

Followers enter the stadium for the night time session in Flushing Meadows. {Photograph}: Andrew Kelly/Reuters
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Up to date at 19.19 EDT

Preamble

Good day and welcome to Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight’s match between Carlos Alcaraz and Li Tu. We’re courtside contained in the world’s largest tennis stadium because the French Open and Wimbledon champion launches his bid for a second US Open title towards a 28-year-old Australian qualifier seeking his first man-draw win at a grand slam and first victory over an opponent ranked within the ATP’s prime 50.

Alcaraz seems to increase a 14-match win streak at main tournaments and is trying to grow to be the third man within the open period to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open in the identical yr after Rod Laver in 1969 and Rafael Nadal in 2010. He’ll go off as a wholesome favourite towards Li Tu, he of the shortest identify in skilled tennis, who first cracked the highest 200 in march and reached a career-high rating of No 186 shortly after successful the M25 Traralgon title on dwelling soil.

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Earlier than we get beganDan Evans has simply toppled Karen Khachanov within the longest match in US Open historical past. The 34-year-old Briton rallied from 0-4 down within the fifth set to win 6-7 (6), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-4 after 5hr 35min (!). That eclipses the earlier mark held by the well-known 1992 semi-final between Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang, which took 5hr 27min to finish.

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Bryan might be right here shortly. Within the meantime right here’s a take a look at what’s occurring because the day session offers solution to night time in Queens.

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