China Open: Carlos Alcaraz recovers from row with umpire to win Beijing opener, Daniil Medvedev also through
By Rhys Jones
Published 27/09/2024 at 10:56 GMT+1
React to this story
Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev both enjoyed victories in their opening matches at the China Open in Beijing. Alcaraz fended off the huge serve of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, but also showed frustration at the umpire during the match. Meanwhile, Medvedev controlled Gael Monfils's flashy game to beat him in straight sets and book their places in the next round.
Highlights: Alcaraz sees off Fritz in straight sets to seal Laver Cup for Team Europe
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz opened his account at the China Open with a 6-4 6-4 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Friday morning.
The Spaniard was stunned in the third round of the US Open earlier this month by Botic van de Zandschulp, but played a great game to beat the Frenchman in Beijing.
Alcaraz made a statement start against the world No. 51 by breaking serve in the first game, and throughout the first set he consistently found ways to test and return Perricard's serve.
Perricard attempted to trouble Alcaraz on the serve, regularly bombing hits at 240km/h, but Alcaraz converted two break points with ease and saved three of his own.
The heavy serving game plan of Perricard fell right into Alcaraz's hands, who admitted post-match that "the plan was to put as many returns in as possible".
The only time the 21-year-old seemed to lose his composure was when he showed his frustration with the umpire, who handed him two time violations in the first set.
Normally very quick between sets, Alcaraz fumed at the official, saying: "This is not tennis.
- Sinner claims 'very tough' fightback win over Jarry to start China Open defence
- Boulter seals classy first-round win over Townsend in China after US Open setback
- ‘My attitude was really good’ – Draper credits composure after reaching Japan Open quarters
"I'm always very quick, I never get warnings," he continued. "You gave me two in one set. It's impossible to play tennis like this."
Despite that, he maintained focus and overturned a 0-40 deficit in the tenth game and tie up the first set.
The second set went similarly as Alcaraz secured an early break and dented Perricard's confidence once again, forcing him to fight an uphill battle and the Spaniard comfortably cruised to a win.
“The plan was just to put as many returns in as I can,” said Alcaraz. “Honestly it wasn’t easy. He was serving 230 or 240 [km/h] almost every serve. Second set, 210 or 215. So, it wasn’t easy to play against him.
"He’s a really powerful player. Big serve, big shots from the baseline. So I had to be really focused. That was the plan. Try to not make too many mistakes and play aggressive from the baseline.”
He added: “In the first game of the match I returned pretty well and played good points from the baseline. In the first game of the second set, he did three double faults, so it helped me a lot to break the serve. After that I had to be really focused for the next games, and I’m really happy I did it.”
Medvedev recaptures form in straight set win
Daniil Medvedev beat Gael Monfils in straight sets 6-3 6-4 in his opener in Beijing, becoming the eighth player to reach 40 wins in 2024.
The pair started at a slow pace, taking 25 minutes to play three games, and at times it was Monfils who arguably played the more entertaining tennis.
Medvedev reached the final at the China Open last year, losing to Jannik Sinner after two tie-breaks, but has rarely hit his best form this season.
“I think the gameplan didn’t change too much [throughout the match],” said Medvedev. “In a way, we both only really like to attack.
"I guess me maybe a bit more than him, but I think for him it is tough to attack. He defends very well. You have to be a really good attacker, like one of the best, or you need to wait for the opportunity.
"The more I stay in China, the more matches I play. Let’s make it a goal. One new phrase a match. If I win the next match, I’ll say something. If I lose, well no phrases.”
Stream top tennis action live on Eurosport and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement