Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz: ‘I’m very happy with the level’
The Spaniard will play against Griekspoor next
September 27, 2024
@chinaopen
Carlos Alcaraz is into the second round of the China Open
By ATP staff
Carlos Alcaraz is feeling good after reaching the second round of the China Open with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match in Beijing on Friday.
“I’m very happy with the level I played today,” said Alcaraz. “It was not an easy game. It’s hard to find a rhythm from the beginning.”
Alcaraz earned a break in the opening games of both sets and won the match without dropping a set. But the second seed was tested by the highly-served, hard-hitting Frenchman. Coach Perricard held three break points as Alcaraz tried to close out the first set. Although he saved them and eventually got out of trouble, the Spaniard admitted that it was a difficult game for him.
“I think I did what I had to do: put in returns, put pressure on his service game, play good points when I got a chance from the baseline,” said Alcaraz.
“I was able to return a lot of services, but I only had one break point. Coming from love-40, I know that every comeback game for me is really difficult. For me, saving three break points and being able to close out the first set, was important for me.”
Playing in the Chinese capital for the second consecutive year, Alcaraz was full of praise for the tournament after his win.
“This competition, for me, is really good. We have many resources. The gym is great, the locker rooms, the areas, the players’ lounge. Everything is very good for the players,” he said.
“The fans, the people here are kind. They are always trying, looking for ways to help us, make us feel as comfortable as possible.”
Here with the fans, here in Beijing 📣📣📣
VAMOS Beijing! 💪@carlosalcaraz | @ChinaOpen | #China Open pic.twitter.com/tSzaHF23OQ
– ATP Tour (@atptour) September 27, 2024
The Spaniard will play Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. He won all three meetings in the Lexus ATP Head2Head Series.
Before the tournament, Alcaraz became the third singles player to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. The season finale will be played at the Inalpi Arena from 10-17 November.
