Alcaraz Evades Evans To Reach US Open Fourth Round

Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open campaign hit its first speed bump Saturday in New York, but the Spaniard’s title defence nonetheless continues apace.

Faced with a seeded opponent for the first time this fortnight, the Spaniard moved past Daniel Evans 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to book his spot in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the third straight year. Alcaraz needed to produce a high-class display to overcome Evans and his trademark box of tricks, but the Spaniard’s consistency and power was key as he held firm for a three-hour, 10-minute triumph.

“He’s a tricky opponent. He always wants to go to the net. Great slices, good touch,” said Alcaraz of Evans in his on-court interview. “I think this is my game as well, so we played a pretty good match. I think the people loved that. We made great points, great shots, a lot of different situations probably than in other matches. I’m really happy to get through and play the fourth round again in the US Open.”

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Alcaraz and Evans produced a host of thrilling all-court exchanges to open the day’s play on Arthur Ashe Stadium in style. The 26th-seeded Evans dug deep in the third set to become the first player to take a set from Alcaraz this fortnight, but the World No. 1 was ultimately too consistent for the Briton. Alcaraz struck 60 winners to Evans’ 28 to improve to 3-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

Perhaps the moment of a richly entertaining encounter was Alcaraz’s sublime forehand pass on the run to crucially break Evans for 4-2 in the fourth set. The Briton had played an almost perfect point, pulling the 20-year-old side to side, but was left staring in disbelief as the Spaniard charged out wide to fire a down-the-line finish that clipped the back of the baseline.

“We played great points that made us smile,” said Alcaraz. “Daniel as well. It’s great to see that on a tennis court. Obviously, we play to make the people happy as well, to entertain them and try to make the match fun. It’s great to have that kind of point as well and feel the energy that [the crowd] are enjoying it as well.”

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The 20-year-old Alcaraz’s next challenge as he chases his third Grand Slam crown is a clash against Matteo Arnaldi. The Italian upset 16th seed Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time.

More to follow…