Second seed Carlos Alcaraz opened his 2025 US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over American big-server Reilly Opelka, winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in two hours and five minutes at Flushing Meadows. The 22-year-old Spaniard, champion in New York in 2022, was flawless on serve in the opening set, winning all 20 points behind his delivery. He finished the match having fended off all break points faced, while Opelka struck 14 aces but was broken three times and committed nine double faults. Alcaraz improved his tournament record to 18-3 and extended his perfect run in Grand Slam first rounds to 19-0. He will meet Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in the second round as he continues his pursuit of a sixth major title and a return to the world No. 1 ranking.