In an exciting debut on Centre Court at the Canadian Open, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz showcased his talent by triumphing over promising American player Ben Shelton in a match that went the distance. The highly anticipated encounter saw Alcaraz claim victory in straight sets.
Alcaraz, who had previously participated in the Canadian Masters 1000 event in Montreal last summer, faced a tough challenge in his opener against Tommy Paul. However, this year, Alcaraz emerged as a strong favourite. The enthusiastic response of the fans in attendance at Centre Court reflected their anticipation to witness Alcaraz’s performance, and his entrance was met with thunderous applause.
The match between Alcaraz and Shelton remained closely contested throughout. Shelton, demonstrating his powerful serve that frequently reached speeds of 230 kph, showcased impressive foot speed for a player of his stature. Alcaraz, however, displayed his skills and determination, ultimately securing a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory.
Both players had their opportunities for breaking their opponent’s serve, with Alcaraz capitalizing on one such chance during the opening set. The match proved to be a testament to the skill and resilience of both athletes.
Reflecting on his debut experience in Toronto, Alcaraz shared, “It was really, really good. Honestly, I enjoyed a lot my first match here in Toronto. It seems like I’ve played here for many, many years.”
Alcaraz’s victory paves the way for his next challenge in the tournament. He is set to face the 15th seed, Hubert Hurkacz, in the upcoming round scheduled for Thursday evening. As Alcaraz continues to make his mark in the Canadian Open, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his further performances in the tournament.
