ATP
Alcaraz tames big server to advance in Beijing
Carlos Alcaraz overcame the fear factor as he faced the huge serve of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, defeating the French threat 6-4, 6-4 on Friday to book the second round of the China Open.
Alcaraz, who lost a semi-final here a year ago to Jannik Sinner, had his hands full with the massive delivery of his 51st-ranked opponent who threw down deliveries in excess of 225 kph with regularity.
The Spaniard finally prevailed in 81 minutes.
“The plan was to put as many returns in as I can,” the winner said. “He was serving 230 or 240 (kph) almost every serve.
“Second set, 210 or 215. So, it wasn’t easy to play against him. He’s a really powerful player.
“I had to be really focused. That was the plan. Try to not make too many mistakes and play aggressive from the baseline.”
Alcaraz now stands 44-9 for the season as he seeks his first title since Wimbledon. He now faces Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
The third-ranked Alcaraz, who trails Sinner and Alexander Zverev in the rankings, could pass the German by reaching the semis here.