Carlos Alcaraz completes 200 career wins, advances to China Open quarter-finals
Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his 200th ATP career victory by defeating Tallon Griekspoor at the China Open. The world number three dominated the second-round match of the ATP 500 Beijing Tour, winning 6-1, 6-2 on Sunday, achieving yet another milestone in his illustrious career. The 21-year-old arrived in Beijing after leading Team Europe to the Laver Cup Trophy in Berlin. Moreover, Alcaraz opened the campaign in China with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The opening match saw Alcaraz engage in a heated argument with the chair umpire over time violation penalties.
Carlos Alcaraz advances to China Open quarter-finals
The four-time Grand Slam champion took less than an hour to secure his spot in the next round. Alcaraz fired four aces, successfully converted five of his seven break points, and didn't allow Griekspoor, who was also his opponent in his 100th career win, a single opportunity to break back. Since securing the Wimbledon title and the Roland Garros, Alcaraz’s form saw a dip. After claiming the silver at the Paris Olympics, Alcaraz marked a second-round exit from the US Open. Now in the winning league again, Alcaraz talked about his contest at the China Open.
"Last couple of tournaments didn't feel as good as I wanted,” Alcaraz noted after his second-round victory in the ATP event. "Right now I feel ready, I feel good. I feel like my tennis came again," he added.
Next up, Carlos Alcaraz will face Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals. Although the 21-year-old has not managed to retain the world number one ranking this year, he has still had a stellar season, winning two Grand Slam titles and earning an Olympic silver medal. Moreover, the 21-year-old played an instrumental role in the Davis Cup where Spain earned an entry into the finals. Making his debut at the Laver Cup, Alcaraz played the most vital role for Team Europe in their 13-11 win against Team World in Berlin.
Carlos Alcaraz has reached 200 career wins faster than most. Out of the 29 players to top the world rankings, he is the second quickest to achieve this feat, having done so in his 252nd match. Only John McEnroe reached this milestone faster, in 245 matches. In comparison, Rafael Nadal reached 200 wins in 255 matches, Novak Djokovic in 274, the same as Jannik Sinner, and Roger Federer in 302 matches.
