Alcaraz settled his passage to the second round of Rio in seven minutes

After Tuesday’s rain suspension with 6-4 and 5-3 on the scoreboard, Carlos Alcarazworld number 2, has already solved that final against the Brazilian in just seven minutes Mateus Alves (556º) for the double 6-4 and will meet in the round of 16 of the ATP on the ground of river in Italian Fabio Fogninia former top-10 player now ranked 86th.

Alcaraz and Alves, 22, were on track for 1h.49′ on Tuesday before heavy rain forced the cancellation of the match with the Murcian just one game away from victory. Continuing on Wednesday, the Brazilian held his serve to make it 5-4, but Alcaraz kept serving to win the next game on white and begin the defense of his title with a win: 6-4 and 6- 4 in 1h.56′.

No rain in this parade 😜☔️

The elements couldn’t stop the defending champion today, @carlosalcaraz secure a 6-4, 6-4 passage against Alves@RioOpenOfficial | #RioOpen pic.twitter.com/zZMYhnOrhk

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 22, 2023

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Fognini, a distinguished 35-year-old veteran with nine titles to his credit, is the Spanish tennis player’s next rival after the Italian also defeated the Chilean. Tomas Barrios in the continuation of their match (6-2, 6-3). Alcaraz defeated Fognini in their only meeting, certainly in the same tournament in Rio, in the semifinals last year (6-2, 7-5).

The Murcian arrives in Brazil after lifting his 7th ATP trophy in Buenos Aires on Sunday, his reappearance on the circuit after a three-month absence due to two horse injuries in 2022 and 2023.

In the Argentine tournament he finished with a great sensation in the final match Cameron Norriebut Alcaraz was uncomfortable on Tuesday for most of his fight with Alves, without the spark or continuity that usually annihilates his opponents.

However, from less to more, Carlos found solutions to counter the momentum and enthusiasm of Alves, taking advantage of the organization’s invitation to let loose with his public and a rival with a great pedigree like the Spaniards. This was his first appearance in a major ATP draw, he will always remember facing the youngest No. 1 in history, an honor Alcaraz achieved by winning at 19-years-old. US Open 2022.