Alcaraz on alternating currents joins the second round

Contract fulfilled for Carlos Alcaraz.

At the end of a generally average match in which he alternated between the good and the less good, the world number 3 largely secured his place, disposing of the modest Li Tu, 186th in the world and a qualifier, in just under 3 hours (6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1).

After a solid start, the Spaniard seemed to lose the thread of the game, cruelly lacking composure and allowing his spirited Australian opponent to put his game together.

The El Palmar prodigy was badly outplayed for a set and a half, but gradually returned to his best, smothering his opponent with a new-found intensity of attack.

In the next round, 'Carlito' will meet Bottic Van de Zandschulp, ranked 74th in the world and winner of Shapovalov's first-round match (6-4, 7-5, 6-4).