Carlos Alcaraz’s quest for another US Open title began with a familiar and impressive milestone, as he defeated Reilly Opelka in the first round of the 2025 event. The victory not only sent the Spanish superstar into the second round but also saw him equal a remarkable Open Era record previously held only by Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg.
With his straight-sets win on Monday, Alcaraz has now won all of his 19 opening-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments. This perfect 19-0 record at the start of his major campaigns places him alongside two of the sport’s greatest legends who achieved the same feat in their careers.
Bjorn Borg, the 11-time Grand Slam champion, famously began his major career with a perfect record in the first round, a testament to his consistent dominance in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rafael Nadal, a 22-time major winner and Alcaraz’s fellow countryman, also holds a legendary record for first-round victories, with a staggering 34 consecutive wins to begin his Grand Slam career.
Alcaraz’s ability to navigate the notoriously tricky opening matches at the biggest tournaments in tennis speaks volumes about his focus, preparation, and innate talent. Grand Slam first rounds can be perilous, with unseeded players eager to pull off an upset against the sport’s elite. However, Alcaraz has consistently handled the pressure, dispatching opponents with a mixture of power, precision, and court craft.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who is the No. 2 seed at this year’s US Open, is aiming to win his second Grand Slam title of the year and the sixth of his career. While the focus remains on the ultimate prize in New York, this first-round record is another reminder of Alcaraz’s place among the game’s all-time greats, even at such a young age.
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As he moves on to face Mattia Bellucci in the second round, Alcaraz continues to write his name in the history books, sharing a special place with two of the most iconic figures in tennis history.
