SHANGHAI: Carlos Alcaraz began his Shanghai Masters title bid with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Saturday.
The second-seeded Spaniard defeated the world number 55 in just 66 minutes. The win came days after he claimed the Tokyo Open title, his first trophy since returning from injury.
“Really, really happy with the way I played today. It wasn’t easy,” said the 23-year-old former world number one.
Alcaraz said he had only two days to prepare after arriving from Tokyo, where playing conditions were different.
“Just tried to play the best that I can,” he added.
Alcaraz Shows Off New Moustache
Alcaraz also attracted attention with his new moustache. After the match, he signed a courtside camera with the words “Moustache Team”.
Asked about his new look, the Spaniard confirmed that it was here to stay.
“It’s gonna stay,” he said.
Alcaraz will face either Ignacio Buse or Zizou Bergs in the next round.
Medvedev Battles Back After Beijing Disqualification
Earlier, Daniil Medvedev recovered from a set down to beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the second round.
It was Medvedev’s first match since his disqualification from the China Open in Beijing. He was defaulted during his semi-final against Novak Djokovic after hitting a spectator with a ball.
The former world number one said the incident was accidental. His disqualification left him with no ranking points or prize money from the tournament.
Five days later in Shanghai, the sixth-ranked Russian overcame an early setback to defeat the world number 59. He fired 21 aces and will next face Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina.
Auger-Aliassime Survives Three-Set Test
World number five Felix Auger-Aliassime also faced a tough challenge before defeating Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5.
The Canadian needed three hours to overcome the world number 77 and secure his place in the third round. He will next meet Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.
Meanwhile, rain forced the suspension of several afternoon matches. Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud and Arthur Fils all progressed as play resumed.
