Carlos Alcaraz waited through a 30-minute rain interruption which stuck in the first set of what turned into a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 defeat of Jordan Thompson which put the Spaniard into the third round of the Cincinnati Masters early Wednesday morning.
The struggle which ended at 1 a.m. marked the 50th match win of the season for the world No. 1 set to defend his US Open title in 12 days in New York.
The outcome remained in doubt until the third set, where the top seed managed two love service games to finally take control of his 55th-ranked Aussie opponent in the first-round meeting.
“The start/stop was not easy,” Alcaraz said. “It was not easy to wait for the rain.
“He played aggressive, I’m glad to get through.It was a long day waiting to play and then find rain in the first set.
“I had to play my best level at the end; I’m hoping for better conditions in the next round.”
Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz in action in Cincinnati by Pete Staples ATPTour.com
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