The world’s top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz defeated Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis on Friday, winning 6-0, 6-2, to make an impressive start to his Miami Open title defence.
After defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final last week, the 19-year-old Spaniard is seeking to complete the “sunshine double.”
He is the youngest player to ever hold the top rating. He made his debut in the tournament as a wild card entry and became the youngest player in the tournament’s history to reach the third round. Alcaraz is considered one of the rising stars in the tennis world and has been praised for his promising talent and performance on the court.
In Miami Open 2023 Alcaraz got out to a flying start, winning the opening 11 points of the game while Bagnis, 33, had absolutely no response to the teenager’s potent serve.
As Bagnis, who has never defeated a player ranked in the top 20, maintained serve in the second set and then broke Alcaraz to make it 2-2, the Hard Rock Stadium audience cheered loudly.
Alcaraz had no more issues as he blasted his way to victory in just 65 minutes, but it was only a brief respite for Bagnis rather than a change in the momentum.
“Starting a new tournament is never simple due to the various circumstances. I must be prepared to adjust to these new circumstances, but I was present for the entire game and pleased with my performance “the Spaniard specified.
To keep atop the rankings, Alcaraz must triumph in Miami Open 2023. However, Alcaraz confidently predicted after his victory in Miami last year, that he was ready to win a Grand Slam, and he now returns having accomplished that feat and, he admits, as a different man.
“I grew up a lot since last year. It has been a great year for me as a player, as a person as well. I learned a lot of things, not only on court, also off the court, as well,” he said.
His hectic year finally caught up with him physically; he had to withdraw from the Australian Open in January due to a leg injury. The Spaniard claims he is now more cautious about his health.
“I have to take care about myself a little bit more off the court, taking care about going early to bed, to rest better, eat well, take care of myself off the court. That’s the most important thing for me,” he exclaimed.