NEW YORK — The sun was barely up over the New York City skyline, casting long shadows across the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For many, a 12 p.m. start is a perfectly reasonable time for a US Open third-round match. For Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and two-time major champion, it might as be the middle of the night. "I'm not an early person," the Spaniard would later admit with a grin. It didn't show one bit.
On a sweltering Saturday afternoon on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz dismantled Italy's Luciano Darderi with a breathtaking display of power, precision, and athleticism, cruising to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory. The match, which lasted just one hour and 47 minutes, was a stark reminder that even when operating on a schedule that doesn't suit his natural rhythms, Alcaraz possesses a gear that few players on tour can even access, let alone sustain.
A Blistering Start Silences Any Doubt
Any questions about potential morning sluggishness were answered within the first ten minutes of the match. Alcaraz came out firing, breaking Darderi's serve in the opening game with a series of crushing groundstrokes that painted the lines. He consolidated the break with a hold to love, showcasing a serve that was both powerful and precise. The first set was a masterclass in aggressive baseline tennis, with Alcaraz winning an astonishing 100% of points behind his first serve and hitting 12 winners to just 4 unforced errors. The message was clear: the time of day was irrelevant.
Darderi, the World No. 53 who had never been past the second round of a major before this fortnight, struggled to find any answers. His powerful game, which had served him so well in the first two rounds, was completely neutralized by Alcaraz's relentless depth and pace. The Italian managed a brief fightback early in the second set, creating two break points on the Alcaraz serve at 2-1. But this is where champions separate themselves. Alcaraz snuffed out both opportunities with an unreturnable serve and a stunning forehand winner, a demonstration of clutch play that broke Darderi's spirit.
The Alcaraz Arsenal on Full Display
What makes Alcaraz so difficult to play is the sheer variety of weapons at his disposal. Against Darderi, he unleashed the full repertoire:
- Blistering Forehand: His primary weapon was dialed in, generating winners from all corners of the court.
- Deceptive Drop Shots: Repeatedly pulling the big-hitting Darderi forward into uncomfortable positions.
- Devastating Returns: He constantly put pressure on the Darderi serve, returning from inside the baseline.
- Superior Net Play: He won 20 of 23 points at the net, showing no fear in closing out points.
After saving those break points in the second set, Alcaraz immediately broke Darderi in the next game, seizing control once more. He closed out the second set and then raced through the third, breaking serve twice more. The final point was a microcosm of the match: a huge serve from Alcaraz followed by a crushing inside-out forehand that Darderi could only watch fly past. Alcaraz let out a subdued roar, more of a confirmation of a job well done than a celebration, and marched to the net to shake hands.
Post-Match Reflections and Looking Ahead
In his post-match press conference, the 21-year-old was refreshingly honest about his preferred schedule but pleased with his professional response. "I'm not an early person, for sure. I'm trying to be, but it's not easy. I'm trying to get used to it. I'm glad to show that I'm ready at whatever time they put my match," Alcaraz stated. He also praised his opponent's fight, particularly in the second set, but was clearly satisfied with his own level of focus and execution.
The statistics from the match were overwhelmingly in Alcaraz's favor. He finished with 33 winners to just 18 unforced errors, won 88% of points behind his first serve, and converted 5 of his 11 break point opportunities. More importantly, he navigated the match with incredible efficiency, expending minimal energy as he advances into the second week of a physically grueling tournament. "Saving energy for the next rounds is really important," he noted, a clear sign of his growing maturity and Grand Slam experience.
With the victory, Alcaraz books his place in the fourth round where he will face another big-hitting opponent, 22nd seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. Dimitrov, a former World No. 3, presents a different challenge with his slick all-court game and one-handed backhand. It will be a fascinating contrast in styles and a significant step up in competition. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 3-1, but their last meeting was a tight three-setter won by the Spaniard in the Shanghai quarterfinals last year.
A Statement Made Without an Alarm Clock
While the top seeds often grumble about being scheduled for the less-desirable daytime sessions, true champions find a way to adapt and overcome. Carlos Alcaraz did more than just overcome on Saturday; he thrived. His performance was a statement to the rest of the draw that his focus is razor-sharp and his game is in championship form. He may not be a morning person, but he is a tennis person through and through, and his innate talent and competitive fire burn brightly regardless of the hour on the clock.
As the US Open enters its business end, the questions surrounding Novak Djokovic's wrist and Jannik Sinner's draw have dominated conversations. But with this commanding, no-nonsense victory, Carlos Alcaraz has forcefully inserted himself back into the center of the championship discussion. He is playing with a confidence and a clarity that suggests he is fully capable of defending his 2023 title. The morning might be his least favorite time of day, but for his opponents, seeing his name across the net at any time is becoming a truly nightmare prospect.