First Round: Sebastian Baez (ARG) vs. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
Arthur Ashe Stadium — Day Session — First Match
- Very few players capture an audience live or online like Carlos Alcaraz and for good reason. The teenage prodigy’s past few seasons have been spellbinding. In under three years at the professional top table, the 19-year-old is now in contention to finish the US Open as world No. 1. OK, so a few things have to fall into place, but it proves how far and fast he has progressed. Just last year, ranked No. 55, the Spaniard reached the US Open last eight. Including this run and ever since, Alcaraz has completed a catalogue of “youngest to…” achievements with his bold, explosive game, cajoling every crowd as he goes. We’re going to see passion personified. He’s beaten the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the No. 3 seed is 7-0 in Grand Slam first rounds. The match is within his grasp for sure.
- Not so fast. Sebastian Baez brings plenty to the party. The former junior world No. 1’s rise may not have been as seismic as Alcaraz’s, but it all clicked for the Argentine in 2021. The 21-year-old cracked the Top 300, 200 and 100 last season to launch into this season in style. Baez is making his main draw debut at the US Open, having fallen at the final qualifying hurdle last August. So far on the major stage he’s proven he can handle the big occasion, pushing Stefanos Tsitispas to four sets in the Australian Open second round. Forget his diminutive stature, Baez can bring the heat and his blistering repertoire led then-ranked No. 3 Alexander Zverev by two sets during the Roland-Garros second round, before succumbing 7-5 in the decider. He’s not stirred by any occasion and clearly has Grand Slam pedigree.
- Considering the seasons this duo have compiled, we are in for a stunning contest. Alcaraz, with an ATP joint-leading four titles, indicates he’s a man on a mission. On the other hand, Baez has also lifted maiden ATP silverware in Estoril and ousted Dominic Thiem and Andrey Rublev en route to the Bastad final. Their only previous meeting was a straight sets success for Alcaraz late last year at the NextGen ATP Finals. Since then, both have flourished; both can clatter the ball for hours and have endless reservoirs of energy. Expect long rallies and a plethora of cat and mouse points. Will Alcaraz utilize his favourite drop shot? Will Baez be reeled into the net? A first-set lead for the Argentine could really set the platform for an early-round classic. Pass all the popcorn please.
- Confidence comes into the equation and Alcaraz seemingly has it in droves. Grounded by his tight-knit team, headed by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz is more than happy to be open about his aspirations. “I feel stronger and more prepared than the last year. I did quarterfinals in Roland Garros, as well,” explained the Spanish star. “I have played long matches, tough matches this year against the top players. I think I'm more ready in this tournament than the last year.”
