TORONTO :World number one Carlos Alcaraz began the buildup to his U.S. Open title defence with an untidy 6-3 7-6 (3) win over Ben Shelton on Wednesday to move into the third round of the Canadian Open.Seeing his first action since his tour de force performance winning Wimbledon, the 20-year-old took a moment to find his footing on the Canadian hardcourt.
But the outcome was never in doubt, stretching his match win streak to 13. "I try to be focused on every match, I try not to think about the winning streak just to keep going like I am doing," Alcaraz told the sold-out Toronto crowd. "I always say the first match in every tournament is never easy."It's even tougher playing against Ben, big bombs, big serves, big shots."It was trouble to get my good rhythm but I am pretty happy to get through and have another chance."Alcaraz was slow out of blocks as he shook off some competitive rust fighting off three break points before holding serve in a tense eight-minute first game.But the Spaniard, a perfect 10-0 in first-round contests this year, was soon in command, with Shelton helping Alcaraz's cause by double-faulting on break point in the fourth game to gift his opponent a 3-1 lead that was all he would need to clinch the opener.Alcaraz was far from top form, but the 41st ranked American, who has only one career win over a top-10 opponent, could not take advantage, misfiring on chances when he had them.In the second set it was Alcaraz showing frustration, gesturing to his box and talking to himself after missing shots that are normally automatic winners when he is operating in a higher gear.Neither player could manage a break chance, sending the set to a tie-break where Alcaraz's experience in the big moment came through.