The 2024 US Open kicked off with an electrifying first-round clash between 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz and Australian qualifier Li Tu. Under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 21-year-old Spaniard aimed to continue his remarkable streak in the majors. With the pressure of defending his title and the aspiration to achieve a rare trifecta—winning Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open in the same year—Alcaraz knew he had to bring his best. The match, however, turned out to be a rollercoaster, with Alcaraz needing four sets to overcome a spirited challenge from the world No. 186, Li Tu.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Set 1: Alcaraz’s Dominance
Carlos Alcaraz entered the match in his signature sleeveless black kit, exuding confidence. He wasted no time asserting his dominance, breaking Tu’s serve early and racing to a 4-0 lead. The Spaniard’s first serve was on fire, winning 89% of points on it, and his aggressive baseline play forced Tu into errors. Alcaraz’s power and precision were evident as he struck 11 winners compared to just 2 unforced errors, overwhelming Tu, who struggled to find his rhythm. The set concluded swiftly with Alcaraz taking it 6-2, signaling what many expected to be a straightforward victory.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Set 2: Tu’s Resurgence
The second set, however, was a stark contrast. Alcaraz’s momentum faltered as his unforced errors skyrocketed to 18, giving Tu a glimmer of hope. The Australian, who had never faced a Top 50 opponent before, began to find his groove, particularly on return games. Tu’s early returns and aggressive play troubled Alcaraz, who found himself broken at a crucial juncture. A pivotal 10-minute service game at 4-5 saw Tu converting his fifth set point to clinch the set 6-4, leveling the match. The crowd, initially subdued, began chanting “Tuuuu!” as the underdog’s confidence grew.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Set 3: Alcaraz Regains Control
Shaken but not deterred, Alcaraz regrouped in the third set. He cleaned up his game, reducing his unforced errors and regaining control of the baseline rallies. Alcaraz’s forehand became a potent weapon once more, as he consistently stepped around his backhand to hit inside-out winners. Tu continued to fight valiantly, but Alcaraz’s superior shot-making and court coverage proved too much. The Spaniard broke Tu’s serve twice to take the set 6-3, putting himself back in the driver’s seat.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Set 4: Alcaraz’s Decisive Finish
The fourth set saw Alcaraz return to his imperious best. He dominated Tu from the start, breaking the Australian’s serve multiple times. Alcaraz’s serve was particularly effective, winning 80% of points on his first serve throughout the match. He also demonstrated his versatility at the net, winning 70% of net points. Tu, meanwhile, began to show signs of fatigue, his earlier brilliance fading as the match wore on. Alcaraz closed out the set 6-1 with a flurry of winners, sealing his victory in just under three hours.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Stats
- Aces: Alcaraz 8, Tu 2
- Double Faults: Alcaraz 4, Tu 6
- First Serve % In: Alcaraz 61%, Tu 55%
- Win % on 1st Serve: Alcaraz 80%, Tu 60%
- Win % on 2nd Serve: Alcaraz 66%, Tu 43%
- Net Points Won: Alcaraz 70%, Tu 50%
- Break Points Won: Alcaraz 7/19 (37%), Tu 2/6 (33%)
- Winners: Alcaraz 50, Tu 19
- Unforced Errors: Alcaraz 30, Tu 32
- Total Points Won: Alcaraz 125, Tu 86
- Distance Covered: Alcaraz 4157.1 ft, Tu 3804.5 ft
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Li Tu Post-Match Reflections
After the match, Alcaraz expressed relief at advancing to the second round but acknowledged the need for improvement. “First of all, I’m really happy to get through and [have] a chance to be better in the next round,” he said. He praised Tu’s performance, particularly in the second set, noting that the Australian’s aggressive play had surprised him. “Obviously, I felt well on court. I think I hit the ball well. I moved well… [There are] a few things that I have to improve if I want to keep going in the draw, but obviously, I have to give credit to him as well. He played really good tennis and surprised me a little bit in the second set.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Alcaraz extended his match-winning streak at majors to 15 and notched his 60th Grand Slam match win. Next, he faces Botic van de Zandschulp, a formidable opponent who reached the quarter-finals at the US Open in 2021. The Spaniard will be keen to tighten up his game as he continues his quest for a third major title of the year, a feat only accomplished by legends Rod Laver and Rafael Nadal in the Open Era. As for Li Tu, despite the loss, his spirited performance against one of the world’s best players will surely boost his confidence as he continues to build his career.
