Carlos Alcaraz has commenced his Cincinnati Open campaign and things are already looking good as he builds towards the US Open.
The Spaniard is competing in his first tournament since winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
Carlos Alcaraz was in tears after losing to Novak Djokovic but after enjoying some time away he is back on the court hungry for more success.
He is aiming for his first Cincinnati Open title and he is up against the beloved veteran Gael Monfils in his first match.
What was noticed about Carlos Alcaraz’s game at the Cincinnati Open?
Carlos Alcaraz was faced with tricky opposition to start his Cincinnati Open campaign in the form of Monfils.
Though into his late 30s, the Frenchman is a dangerous player and is still capable of springing a surprise against the top players.
But Alcaraz looked sharp and his shots were crisp, as was identified by Tennis Channel pundit and 2016 Olympic champion Monica Puig.
“It’s really nice to see that even in the first set he looked like he was fit, healthy, quick, fast,” the 30-year-old said on the Tennis Channel Live podcast.
“All the things that we like to see for Alcaraz heading into the final major. He wants to peak not here, but in 10 days’ time. So it’s good to see that he is already finding that form.”
Alcaraz took the first set 6-4, and before he was due to play a second set tiebreak against Monfils, play was suspended due to heavy rain and the match will resume on Friday.
Who will be Carlos Alcaraz’s biggest threat at the US Open?
The Cincinnati Open will likely be Alcaraz’s final tournament before he tries to win the US Open for a second time.
The 21-year-old triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2022, which was the first Grand Slam win of his career.
Two years later he will go in search of a fifth major overall, and Puig thinks Djokovic is the only player that can stop him from achieving that goal.
“I think Djokovic right now is the only person who will stand in his way to dull that fire,” the Puerto Rican added.
“Sinner, we have to see how he is feeling with injury. But I think Djokovic is the one who can really push his buttons here.”
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