It was perfect for Alcaraz, who annihilated his first rival at the Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz He couldn’t have designed his official start to the season any better. Even if he didn’t plan it, his debut at the 2024 Australian Open will be even better, his return to Melbourne Park after being sidelined with injury twelve months ago.

This is his third participation in this Grand Slam, which has nothing to do with the second round of 2021, from the qualifying phase, or the third qualifying round of 2022. At 20 years old, with the US Open and a Wimbledon in his backpack, the his sights are set on a title that will require reclaiming the world number one as an added prize. All from respect for rivals, but from the ambition of a person who has already been dethroned Novak Djokovic in his other favorite territory, the grass in London.

Alcaraz’s prowess is based on his level and the data that supports a dazzling development as a result of his entry into the tournament. Without filmmaking competition, but supported by quality training and exhibitions with Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud In the same center of the Rod Laver Arena, the Murcian showed that he is ready, in the face of adversity and when he shot himself.

He had a difficult start, he solved it and ended up destroying the French Richard Gasquet37 years old and world number 131, ni 7-6 (5), 6-1 and 6-2 in 2h.22′. He closed his ninth ace, which was winning blow 53rd (26 unforced errors). Devastating statistics, service is always maintained. A strong message to their rivals, proving once again that the work of the long preseason, which delayed their trip to the antipodes as long as possible, was worth it.

He will come with more arguments against a dangerous opponent, the Italian Lorenzo Sonego, 28 years old and number 46, defeated British Daniel Evans by 4-6, 7-6 (8), 6-2 and 7-6 (4) in 3h.42′. As background, the defeat of the Spanish in Cincinnati 2021 by 6-3 and 7-6 (6).

You like Carlos Alcaraz, The same he expected in his first meeting in 2024. He needed a battle, he experienced it in a very good heat as Richard Gasquet showed his virtuoso technique and the Murcian responded with his wide range of resources. 72 minutes of excellent quality, a blessing for the tennis player of El Palmar to get that rhythm that only these situations give to the competition.

Everything would have been easy if he had won one of the nine break balls he had, but even then Alcaraz never lost his position. It was so intense, too much for Gasquet’s legs, that he gave his best but was not rewarded in the tiebreak. Sentenced to conflict.

Alcaraz maintained a frantic pace, the legs and morale of Gasket There is nothing they can do without truce. The Spaniard did not allow it, and for the tenth time he stole the opponent’s serve. In an instant 3-0 in the second set.

The student in this event of Samuel Lopezalthough there is Juan Carlos Ferrero Very attentive and direct talking Villena while recovering from a knee operation, he demolished the opponent because he wanted to save risks and conserve energy. At half past eleven in the evening local time, the commitment was resolved. With brilliance.

Gasquet isn’t ready for the good stuff, having amassed a six-game losing streak at Grand Slams, but he’s tested Alcaraz enough for him to make the difference.