US Open: Alcaraz Dominates Bellucci, Continues Winning Streak

Alcaraz overpowers Bellucci, sets up showdown with Darderi

Carlos Alcaraz dominates Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 at the US Open, advancing to the third round where he'll face Luciano Darderi.

“I think it was really helpful for me. Back at that time it was the worst thing I have ever done...” 

Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the US Open third round with a dominant straight-sets victory over Mattia Bellucci, winning 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour and 36 minutes. This impressive win marks a significant turnaround from last year's early exit, showcasing Alcaraz's determination and skill. The Spanish tennis star faced little resistance from Bellucci, who struggled to keep up with Alcaraz's powerful shots and precise net game.

Alcaraz's victory sets up a meeting with Italian player Luciano Darderi in the next round. With his current form, Alcaraz looks like a strong contender for the title, and fans might witness an exciting semi-final match against top seed Novak Djokovic if the draw plays out in a particular way. Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “I played great from the beginning to the last ball. I know Mattia's level, and today wasn't his day, but I tried to make the most of his mistakes.”

Carlos cruising into Round 3! pic.twitter.com/Wxerq1BfTg

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open winner, took to the court for his night session match on Arthur Ashe Stadium with a clear mind, yet couldn't shake off the memories of his shocking second-round loss at last year's tournament. “If I'm honest, I thought about last year when I stepped on the court,” Alcaraz admitted, showing he's still haunted by the defeat.

Alcaraz's previous year's loss was a stunning upset at the hands of Botic van de Zandschulp, where the Dutchman beat the third seed 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. Despite the setback, Alcaraz seems determined to move forward and make a deeper run in the tournament this year.

“Some bad thoughts. I was nervous about it, like thinking, okay, I don't want to do the same thing as I did last year, losing in the second round.

“I just thought about it a little bit, but, you know, I'm just really happy that I got through and have another chance in the third round.”

Any prospect of a repeat letdown was quickly dismissed by the Spanish second seed who won the first five games against Bellucci.

The overmatched left-hander offered little resistance in the opening two sets against a player who now leads the ATP with 56 wins and six titles this season.

Alcaraz wrapped up his latest victory in an hour and 36 minutes to stay on a collision course with reigning champion and world number one Jannik Sinner.

“I played great to be honest from the beginning until the last ball,” said Alcaraz.

“I know his (Bellucci's) level. Today wasn't his day and I tried to make the most of his mistakes.”

“In general I'm just really happy with the performance,” he added. “The less time I spend on court the better for me.”

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the Grand Slam circuit, combining to win the last seven majors. The two tennis stars clashed in the French Open and Wimbledon finals this year, showcasing their intense rivalry. Alcaraz's recent form has been exceptional, reaching the final at his last seven tour events.

A Turning Point:

Alcaraz credits his painful 2024 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in New York as a pivotal moment in his career. “I think it was really helpful for me. Back at that time it was the worst thing I have ever done,” Alcaraz said, highlighting how the loss fueled his determination to improve. This mindset shift has contributed to his current success and consistency on the court.

“But yeah, looking back, I wanted just to improve from the experience.

“I think when I lost in the second round last year, (it) was one of those moments when I learned a lot how to deal with some situations, how should I have done things much better.

“I think I've just done it this year much, much better.

“So it was a great experience that I learned a lot from.”

Carlos cruising into Round 3! pic.twitter.com/Wxerq1BfTg

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2025

Alcaraz's Current Form:

• 56 Wins This Season: Alcaraz leads the ATP with 56 wins and six titles this year.
• Finals Streak: He has reached the final at his last seven tour events, demonstrating his dominance.
• Upcoming Match: Alcaraz faces Luciano Darderi in the US Open's third round, looking to continue his strong form.

Alcaraz's Progress:

Current Performance: Alcaraz has been playing notable matches, including his recent win against Reilly Opelka on August 26, 2025, with a score of 3-0.

Previous Matches: He also won against Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev in the Cincinnati Masters, showcasing his strong form.

Mental Approach: Alcaraz has acknowledged that last year's loss was on his mind, but he's focused on the present and moving forward.