Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his debut at the 2025 US Open today and will have to be especially careful, as on the other side of the net there will be a very dangerous rival like Reilly Opelka. The American ace is really dangerous on this surface thanks to his amazing serve and the world number 2 will not be able to afford his usual ups and downs, because otherwise he risks saying goodbye to the last Grand Slam of the season already in the first round.
The five-time Grand Slam champion has had an excellent season so far, considering that he has already won six titles and has shown much more consistency than in the past. His performances are always quite fluctuating, but the young Spanish star has figured out how to win even when he is not playing his best tennis and it is no coincidence that he has approached the first position of the ATP ranking occupied by his top rival Jannik Sinner.
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Alcaraz expected by Opelka
The 22-year-old from Murcia must lift his second trophy in New York if he wants to become world number 1 again, or he must achieve a better result than that of the Italian champion. Carlitos who already won this tournament three years ago disappointed expectations in the last edition, when he was eliminated already in the second round having not yet metabolized the defeat against Novak Djokovic in the final of the Paris Olympics.
The No.2 seed will have to be focused on all points against Opelka, who is playing brilliant tennis this year after his career seemed very close to its conclusion between 2022 and 2023. He had been diagnosed with a benign tumor that had moved to his hip, preventing him from playing and leaving speculation that he would retire.
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Opelka had to undergo two delicate surgeries, before suffering a wrist injury that fueled his despondency. However, Reilly has always continued to fight and will be able to play this match without any pressure. We must not forget that he beat Djokovic in Brisbane earlier this year.
