Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated his resilience and skill by overcoming an early morning start to secure a decisive victory in the US Open 2025. The 22-year-old Spanish tennis star, who admitted he is 'not an early person,' triumphed over Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in just one hour and 44 minutes.

Morning Challenge

Alcaraz, accustomed to evening matches, faced the challenge of an 11:30 AM start at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite his preference for later games, he managed to wake up early, complete his warm-up, and deliver an impressive performance. 'Starting at 11:30 is something I'm not used to, so my first goal was to start well, focused, with energy and a good rhythm,' Alcaraz commented post-match.

Dominant Play

Alcaraz's strategy of pushing Darderi to the limit and engaging in long rallies paid off. He maintained a high level of play throughout the match, showcasing his agility and precision. 'I played great tennis and I'm really proud about it,' he added.

Physical Concerns

During the second set, Alcaraz received treatment for discomfort in his right knee and quadricep muscle. However, he assured that the issue was minor and did not affect his performance. 'After five or six points, it was gone,' he said, emphasizing his readiness for the next rounds.

Next Opponent

Alcaraz's next challenge will be against unseeded Arthur Rinderknech, who has reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. Rinderknech, ranked 82nd in the world, overcame a tough match against fellow Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi to secure his spot.

Grand Slam Ambitions

With a US Open title already under his belt from 2022 and a recent French Open victory, Alcaraz is poised to add another major title to his collection. His performance in New York could also see him reclaim the top spot in the world rankings, depending on Jannik Sinner's results.

Stay tuned for more updates and live scores from the US Open 2025.