Alcaraz, Ruud sail through first-round wins

Carlos Alcaraz downed big-serving American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to begin his campaign at Flushing Meadows, where this fortnight Alcaraz is aiming for his second US Open crown and sixth major trophy overall.

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With the win, Alcaraz stays on course in the battle for World No 1. If the Spaniard matches or betters Jannik Sinner’s result, Alcaraz will leave New York atop the ATP Rankings.

Alcaraz boasts a season-lead-ing 55 wins and six titles, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index. Last Monday, Alcaraz lifted his first Cincinnati Open title. Elsewhere, Casper Ruud registered a 6-1, 6-2, 7-6(5), victory against unseeded Sebastian Ofner in their first-round match in Louis Armstrong Stadium.