Carlos Alcaraz overpowers Reilly Opelka to advance into US Open 2025 second round

Carlos Alcaraz produced a confident display to defeat American Reilly Opelka in straight sets, 6–4, 7–5, 6–4, and secure his place in the second round of the US Open 2025. Playing under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Spaniard showcased composure and precision in handling one of the game’s most challenging servers.

The contest opened with Opelka relying heavily on his booming serve, firing down aces and attempting to keep rallies short. Alcaraz, however, managed to stay solid on return and absorb the early pressure. He didnt lose a serve and won the first set 6–4, displaying his sharp anticipation and clean hitting from the baseline.

The second set was more tightly contested, with Opelka pushing Alcaraz deeper behind the baseline through pace and accuracy. The American struck freely on serve, but Alcaraz created just enough pressure to force errors at key moments. A crucial break midway through the set tilted the momentum, and the Spaniard calmly served out to take a two-set lead.

Opelka attempted to mount a comeback in the third, mixing in serve-and-volley tactics to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm. The strategy kept the set competitive, but Alcaraz maintained consistency in longer rallies and continued to find depth with his groundstrokes. At 4–4, Opelka faltered with a series of unforced errors, giving Alcaraz the opening he needed. The Spaniard pounced, breaking serve and sealing the match with authority in the next game.

Statistically, Opelka’s serve remained a weapon, with 14 aces recorded, but his inability to back it up in baseline exchanges proved costly. Alcaraz’s return game and superior movement around the court neutralized much of the American’s power, leaving him frustrated in key phases. The Spaniard converted three of his break-point chances and maintained a high first-serve percentage to stay firmly in control throughout the encounter.

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The victory continues Alcaraz’s remarkable record of never having lost a first-round match at a Grand Slam, extending his streak to 19–0. It also sets him up for a second-round clash against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, a fresh opponent with no prior meetings between the two. With his form intact and confidence evident, Alcaraz enters the next round as a strong favorite to progress further at Flushing Meadows.