At the time, I didn't know him," Bellucci recalls when he first faced Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Mattia Bellucci will meet this Wednesday in the second round of the US Open. The only time they faced each other dates back to 2020, in a Futures tournament in Manacor.

Speaking to the ATP, Bellucci shared his thoughts on his upcoming opponent: "A friend had texted me saying, 'This guy is going to be very, very good.'

I replied that I didn't know him because he was two years younger than me, and I hadn't played much in the juniors. So, at the time, I wasn't familiar with his name.

I stepped onto the court and played the first three games, and I thought to myself, 'I might not win, but I can be competitive in this match.'

Then I lost 6-2, 6-1. It was a very tough match, I didn't expect it, but now I know him better!

He was returning like crazy. I remember he took the ball very early, and I didn't have time to do much, but I also remember having a lot of fun during that match.

It was a surprise, of course, but it wasn't about making a small mistake or not playing well. I felt like I was playing normally, but I was also curious to face him because everyone was saying he was good.

I feel like these are the matches everyone wants to play, for sure.