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MEN'S WRAP, DAY 2: Alcaraz eases into US Open round two, Draper through

football26 August 2025 06:00| © Reuters
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Carlos Alcaraz © Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz unveiled a striking new hairstyle before giving towering Reilly Opelka the chop at the US Open on Monday.

Order of Play

The 22-year-old arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium sporting a severe military-style crew cut for his night match with the American.

While Alcaraz's new look failed to impress some – close friend and fellow player Frances Tiafoe called it "terrible" – it did not distract the streamlined Spaniard from the task at hand as he motored to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 first-round victory over the 6ft 11in Opelka.

Alcaraz could not hide his delight with his performance against his big-serving opponent.

"Today was a really difficult one," Alcaraz said.

"Reilly is a great, tough player. I couldn't get the rhythm that I wanted to get but I'm just really happy with what I did today. I did a great performance today."

Alcaraz revealed that his new haircut had arisen from a botched attempt at a trim by his brother.

"My brother just misunderstood the machine. He just cut it," Alcaraz said. "Then, you know, the only way to fix it is just shave it off. To be honest, it's not that bad, I guess.

"Some people like it. Some people don't like it. To be honest, I'm just laughing about the reactions of the people."

Alcaraz, who won the first of his five Grand Slam singles titles at the US Open in 2022, took control with a break in the fifth game of the first set, retaining that advantage before serving out to love.

After saving two Opelka break points before holding for 3-3 in the second set, Alcaraz seized his chance in the 11th game, breaking for a 6-5 lead before holding to take a 2-0 stranglehold on the contest.

The third set went with serve until the ninth game, when Alcaraz once again scored a decisive break to take a 5-4 lead.

A long forehand return from Opelka gave Alcaraz three match points, and he converted the first with a scorching forehand down the line to advance.

Alcaraz will face Italy's Mattia Bellucci in the second round.

DRAPER THROUGH

Britain's Jack Draper overcame a third-set wobble to get his US Open campaign off to a winning start on Monday, beating Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez 6-4 7-5 6-7(7) 6-2 in the first round.

The victory marked Draper's first competitive singles match since his second-round exit at Wimbledon last month, and while he got off to a solid start, he was tested before securing the win in three hours.

"It's unbelievable to be out here in New York. I wasn't sure if I would make it here this year but we have done a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court," said Draper, who has been managing a left-arm injury.

"It wasn't my finest performance but credit to my opponent. He played some outstanding tennis. I'm looking forward to improving and hopefully getting better as the tournament goes on."

The fifth seed, a semifinalist in New York last year, showed solid serving early on but struggled to maintain control at times against the world number  203, having played mixed doubles alongside Jessica Pegula last week as his only preparation.

Draper capitalised on his opponent's inconsistency to take control, breaking to love on his first opportunity before wrapping up the opening set.

He kept up the pressure in the second, breaking again and consolidating for a 3-1 lead, even threatening a double break in his next return game.

But momentum slipped as Draper's energy dipped and he faltered when serving for the set, his double fault presenting Gomez with a break point that the Argentine converted to level at 5-5.

Draper quickly shook it off, geeing himself up with shouts of encouragement before breaking back to restore his advantage and serve out the set.

The third saw Draper continue to struggle on serve, and another double fault allowed Gomez to break at the first opportunity, consolidating for a 3-0 lead.

Despite Draper cancelling out the break, the set was then decided in a tiebreak, which the 28-year-old Gomez edged to keep his hopes alive.

Draper regrouped in the fourth, forcing errors from the Argentine and taking advantage of two more breaks of serve to close out the match and advance to the second round where he will face Belgium's Zizou Bergs.

FONSECA'S METEORIC RISE CONTINUES

Teenage sensation Joao Fonseca notched his first US Open main-draw win on Monday, defeating Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round to extend a dream season marked by breakthrough performances at every major.

The 19-year-old Brazilian, who has won his opening match at each of his Grand Slam debuts this year, thrilled the Grandstand crowd at Flushing Meadows and powered to a 7-6(3) 7-6(5) 6-3 win despite bouts of vomiting and dizziness.

"It's my first year playing all these big tournaments. My first time playing US Open main draw. I’m just loving the career on tour," Fonseca said.

"I'm very happy playing each tournament. Discovering new places, new countries. I’m enjoying a lot. I know it’s a lot of expectation and pressure at 19 years old, but I love doing what I love."

"Having all the support from all the Brazilians, a country I love. It’s really an honour. I'm gonna keep living this dream."

Fonseca, one of the most exciting prospects in the men's game, missed out on his maiden Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows last year after falling in the third round of qualifying.

Since then, he has surged into the Top 50, while he captured his first ATP title in Buenos Aires earlier this year.

He will look to carry his fine form into the second round, where he faces Czech Tomas Machac on Wednesday.

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