Alcaraz Banishes Early-Exit Demons

Spaniard admits being haunted by 2024 loss, but quickly puts 'bad thoughts' behind

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NEW YORK - Carlos Alcaraz put the "bad thoughts" of last year's early US Open exit behind him on Aug. 27, as he charged into the third round with a straight-sets win over Mattia Bellucci.

The five-time Grand Slam champion powered past world No. 65 Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 to set up a meeting with another Italian, 32nd seed Luciano Darderi.

Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open winner, suffered a shock second-round loss at the tournament in 2024 and revealed that was on his mind as he walked out for the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"If I'm honest, I thought about last year when I stepped on the court," he said.

"Some bad thoughts. I was nervous about it, like thinking, okay, I don't want to do the same thing as I did last year, losing in the second round.

"I just thought about it a little bit, but, you know, I'm just really happy that I got through and have another chance in the third round."

Any prospect of a repeat letdown was quickly dismissed by the Spanish second seed who won the first five games as the outplayed left-hander offered little resistance in the opening sets.