Carlos Alcaraz struggled early on but eventually dominated the fourth set against qualifier Li Tu.
Alcaraz aims to secure his second US Open title following his victory in 2022, which would mark his third consecutive Grand Slam win.
Despite a successful year, Alcaraz faced disappointment by losing the Olympic gold medal match to Novak Djokovic, who won 7-6, 7-6.
Alcaraz recently expressed his regret over missed opportunities in that match, revealing the impact of the loss on him emotionally.
The Spaniard also commented on Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal, choosing a diplomatic approach while hinting at undisclosed details in the case.
Alcaraz kicked off his US Open run in a night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium against Tu. Despite an early lead, signs pointed towards a competitive match.
Acknowledging Tu’s efforts, Alcaraz clinched the first set 6-2. However, his game faltered in the subsequent sets with errors and double faults.
Despite a setback in the second set, Alcaraz regained momentum in the third set, ultimately securing a 6-3 win to lead the match.
Overcoming challenges in the fourth set, Alcaraz capitalized on Lu’s struggles and claimed victory with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 scoreline.
