China open: Easy victories for Medvedev, Alcaraz in Rd 1

The No. 3-ranked Carlos Alcaraz withstood a heavy barrage from big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to win 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open first round on Friday. Second-seeded Alcaraz took both of his break point opportunities, despite the No. 51-ranked Frenchman...

PTI

Beijing, Updated At : 11:36 AM Sep 28, 2024 IST

Carlos Alcaraz. File photo

The No. 3-ranked Carlos Alcaraz withstood a heavy barrage from big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to win 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open first round on Friday.

Second-seeded Alcaraz took both of his break point opportunities, despite the No. 51-ranked Frenchman regularly sending down 140 mph (225 kph) serves.

Mpetshi Perricard won 83% of the points behind his first serve but gave up costly errors at the beginning of each set, which Alcaraz was wily enough to capitalize on.

“The plan was just to put as many returns in as I can,” Alcaraz said.