Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev began their respective China Open bids with victories in straight sets on Friday while China’s Zhang Shuai caused an upset in the women’s draw.
The Spanish second seed broke the serve of Perricard in the opening game of both sets and saved three break points while serving for the opening set in a demonstration of his resilience. Serving out the set with confidence, even after he received a time violation while serving for the set, Alcaraz beat fellow 21-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4 in Beijing.
“It was really important for me to save those break points and close the first set,” Alcaraz said. He will play in the second round against the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Medvedev, the US Open 2021 champion, was never challenged by French veteran Gael Monfils as he won 6-3, 6-4. The Russian third seed will next meet Adrian Mannarino after losing in the final in Beijing last year to Jannik Sinner.
On the women’s side, the big upset emerged from the world number 595th, Zhang Shuai. Veteran 35-year-old in stunning form started her campaign quite amazingly at the China Open.
World number one Jannik Sinner has been set to face off against 69th-ranked Roman Safiullin in the second round of men’s action as the tournament heats up.
