Carlos Alcaraz faced a challenging task in the first round of the US Open. The 2022 champion played against Reilly Opelka at Arthur Ashe Stadium and earned a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory.
The Spaniard outplayed the American in the decisive moments. World no. 2 saved all three break points and provided three breaks from 11 opportunities to seal the deal and extend his impressive streak.
Namely, Carlos is 19-0 in the first rounds at Majors. The 22-year-old owns the third-best streak at the start of Major events, trailing only the two ultimate legends, Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg.
Nadal had enjoyed a brilliant 34-0 run in the first round on the most notable scene before Steve Darcis stunned him at Wimbledon in 2013. Bjorn Borg entered 27 Major events throughout his short but incredible career.
The Swede never lost in the opening encounter at the most notable events, ending his career with a perfect 27-0 score. He is Alcaraz's next target, and the Spaniard will match the 11-time Major winner if he reached the second round at the next eight tournaments.
With his 19-0 score, Carlos, continues to underline consistency and mental sharpness where it matters the most. The 22-year-old debuted at Majors four and a half years ago.
He has embraced a 78-13 score at the most important events, displaying incredible composure and stamina en route to five trophies Major trophies at such a young age.
Best-of-five encounters in the first round demand immediate focus and adaptation to new surroundings and conditions. For Carlos, these challenges have never turned into obstacles, despite his young age.
His ability to start strong and impose his game has made him one of the most reliable performers from the first ball, a trait shared by the legends he chases.
While having a couple of early exits and poor performances along the way, they never happened in the first match, as he remains an unsolved mystery for his opponents.
Placing his name alongside two of the greatest players in history confirms once again that Carlos is building a legacy defined by resilience, intensity and the hunger to match and surpass the standards of Nadal and Borg.
Will he make it? Let's see in a couple of years, but he is on the right track.
