Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon winner, won a hard-fought match against Ben Shelton on the ATP Tour in Toronto. This was his first match following his historic Wimbledon victory over Novak Djokovic. Despite a fierce challenge from the American, the young Spaniard displayed his resilience and skill.
Wimbledon Champion Returns
The match began evenly, with both players displaying their prowess. However, a crucial break of serve in the fourth game provided Alcaraz with the edge he needed to clinch the first set. The second set was a nail-biter, with neither player giving an inch. It was Alcaraz’s experience and composure that saw him through, as he secured the win in a tense tiebreak.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz said, “I tried to play my level but it wasn’t easy. He was more aggressive than me from the beginning to the last ball. I tried to be solid and to get my rhythm and I’m really happy to be through to have an opportunity in the next round.”
Upcoming Challenges
With this victory, Alcaraz advances to the round of 16 against the powerful Hubert Hurkacz. The Spaniard will try to build on his recent success and extend his winning streak, which now stands at 13 games.
Other Notable Matches
In other matches, American qualifier Marcos Giron pulled off an upset by defeating fifth seed Holger Rune. Giron’s victory sets up a third-round encounter with fellow American Tommy Paul. Veteran Gael Monfils also made headlines by stunning Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Milos Raonic continued his impressive run by defeating qualifier Taro Daniel.
Looking Ahead
Tennis fans should expect more dramatic matches as the National Bank Open in Toronto progresses. With prominent players such as Alcaraz, Hurkacz, and Monfils in the mix, the tournament promises to be a delight for tennis fans all around the world.
