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| Carlos Alcaraz Bounces Back from US Open Upset with Davis Cup Opener Win |
The Spanish tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz returns to action triumphantly after the US Open debacle. Reported by The Straits Times, Alcaraz handed Spain a winning start in the Davis Cup opener on Wednesday (Sept 11).
Roberto Bautista Agut beat Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 6-3 to give Spain the opening point in singles. Alcaraz was scheduled to finalize against Tomas Machac of Czechia. Still, his retirement did not affect the outcome, and he gave a second point to the home team after the Paris Olympic silver medallist opened with a win.
In doubles, Marcel Granollers and Alcaraz beat Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek 6-7 (2): 6-3, saving to get Group B level at a perfect record of 3–0.
"After such a tough and tight first set, I knew that I had to be strong, keep positive, play long rallies," Alcaraz said after his victory.
French Open and Wimbledon winner Thiem said of the prospect with a wry smile, "He has played more matches in the American swing on this very good success stretch now, whereas I have just played one match." The Austrian was further asked by reporters about the New York conditions and his adjustment.
One of the US Open finals favorites, Alcaraz also bid farewell to despair in his second-round clash. His abrupt and unheard-of withdrawal from the tournament shocked all tennis fans. He discussed his shock tournament exit: "I tried to take positives out of my losses in America; it has been really difficult, but I managed to do that."
Alcaraz said he was 'trying' not to do it again and making sure he was a 'little more mature.' He claimed he was really looking forward to it, full of beans and keen on winning as many games for Spain as possible.