NEW YORK – Carlos alcaraz advanced to the second round of the 2025 US Open with a hard-fought victory over Reilly Opelka on Monday, setting up a rematch against Mattia Bellucci.
Alcaraz defeated Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. The 2.11-meter Opelka posed a significant challenge with his powerful serve, but Alcaraz navigated the difficulties to secure the win.
“It has been a difficult game. You feel that nothing depends on you, but depends on him and how to take out, how he plays from the bottom of the track,” Alcaraz stated in a post-match press conference.
“you have to be concentrated, put all the remains you can, and win all the points you let you play from the bottom. It is very difficult to play against someone who dose not let you play your game.”
In the second round, Alcaraz will face Italian player Mattia Bellucci, who earned his spot after defeating Shanghai Juncheng 7-6 (0), 1-6, 6-3, 3-0, with Juncheng retiring during the match.
This will mark the second professional meeting between Alcaraz and Bellucci. Their frist encounter occurred at the M15 Manacor tournament in 2020, a Futures event held at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Alcaraz won that match and ultimately claimed the tournament title.
