Carlos Alcaraz, the defending US Open champion, received a scare in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, narrowly defeating Australian qualifier Li Tu 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. Despite a strong start, Alcaraz found himself struggling with unforced errors, allowing Tu to take the second set.
Tu, an Adelaide native who returned to tennis after a six-year hiatus, impressed the crowd with his aggressive play and earned his first appearance on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz acknowledged Tu’s impressive performance, stating that he was surprised by the qualifier’s resilience and commended his ability to adjust to the match.
Alcaraz regained control in the third set, demonstrating his trademark power and precision. The 21-year-old, who won the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year, was visibly pleased with his performance, acknowledging the energy of the crowd and expressing his gratitude for their support.
Despite a recent ankle injury suffered in practice, Alcaraz showed no signs of limitation in his movement. He will now face Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. The victory marks a positive start to Alcaraz’s US Open title defense, showcasing his determination to reclaim the trophy despite facing unexpected challenges.
