Carlos Alcaraz did not have the best time on the court during his maiden victory at the 2024 China Open. The Spaniard was compelled to confront the chair umpire after receiving two-time violations at a crucial moment in the match.
Alcaraz advanced to the second round in Beijing with a 6-4 6-4 win against fellow 21-year-old Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Friday, September 27. Despite the straight-sets win, though, the Spaniard faced trouble closing out the opening set.During the final game of the set (5-4), Carlos Alcaraz had to fend off three breakpoint opportunities created by his opponent. During the tense moment, the World No. 3 also received two-time violation warnings, subsequently forfeiting his first serve on an advantage point.
Unhappy with the decision, which was influenced by the automatic shot clock, Alcaraz lashed out at the chair umpire. Addressing his rare outburst during the post-match press conference, he said:
“For me, saving three break points and be able to close the first set, it was really important for me. Obviously, I was little bit mad about the time rule because I feel like I have no time,” he said.
The Spaniard argued that the shot clock starting immediately after rallies leaves him no time for recovery. This isn’t the first time that Alcaraz has voiced his disapproval of the automatic shot clock; he had similar complaints following his second-match loss at the Queen’s Club Championships earlier this year.
“I have to run between points. I have no time to have a break, to rest or to breathe. I mean, if I finish the point at the net, which was the case, I have no time to go to the towel and do my routine. I was a little bit mad about it,” Carlos Alcaraz reiterated.
“Yeah, the emotions of the close the first set, it was really important for me coming to the second set with energy and confident. That’s what I did,” he added about eventually coming out on top.
“It wasn’t an easy match” – Carlos Alcaraz on overcoming China Open 1R hurdle
In the same press conference, Carlos Alcaraz touched upon tackling Giovanni Mpestshi Perricard, who created a buzz earlier this season by winning his maiden title in Lyon and reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon. The Spaniard said:
“I’m really happy with the level that I played today. It wasn’t an easy match. Difficult to get the rhythm from the baselines,” he said. “I think I did a really good match. Really, really happy to get through to the next round.”
Alcaraz has advanced to the Round of 16 of the China Open for the second year running. He crashed out in the semifinals against eventual champion Jannik Sinner in 2023.The Spaniard faces Tallon Griekspoor for a spot in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
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