 victory. Last year, Alcaraz clinched his first Grand Slam title when he spectacularly defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the 2022 US Open final, becoming the youngest-ever World No. 1 at just 19 years of age- in the process. After crushing Harris, Alcaraz realised the level of performance needed if he is to retain his title this time around. 'I think I played a great match from the beginning until the last ball, but if I have to take something from the match I want to keep the level of the second set,' Alcaraz said. 'I had to stay focused, stay strong mentally. 'It was pretty good for me and to win in straight sets is really important in the first rounds.' Alcaraz has continued to dominate, winning six titles this season - including a second Grand Slam when he got the better of Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Wimbledon final. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most popular men on tour too, showcasing his incredible power, movement and shot-selection at will. For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US The US Open is live and exclusive on Sky Sports, with a limited time offer available of £26 a month for a NOW TV sports membership. This provides access to all Sky Sports channels on a non-contract basis to be cancelled at any time. £26 per month In the first round on Tuesday, Alcaraz swept through Germany's D){kind=link}
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and reigning World No. 1, has moved into the third round of the US Open – and the Spaniard is beginning to find his rhythm
Carlos Alcaraz hopes to maintain the level he reached in the second set during his second round win as he eyes glory at the 2023 US Open.
The defending champion breezed into the third round with a dominant straight-sets victory over Lloyd Harris. The South African, who used to train with Alcaraz at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy when the Spaniard was 15, put up a brave fight but could do little to stop the World No. 1 from securing a 6-3 6-1 7-6 (4) victory.
Last year, Alcaraz clinched his first Grand Slam title when he spectacularly defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the 2022 US Open final, becoming the youngest-ever World No. 1 at just 19 years of age- in the process. After crushing Harris, Alcaraz realised the level of performance needed if he is to retain his title this time around.
“I think I played a great match from the beginning until the last ball, but if I have to take something from the match I want to keep the level of the second set,” Alcaraz said. “I had to stay focused, stay strong mentally.