Carlos Alcaraz continued to break new ground at the US Open and he’s joined elite company with his win over Reilly Opelka.
Alcaraz, donning his controversial new haircut, dispatched the American giant in straight sets in his first-round match.
There’s plenty riding in this year’s US Open, as Alcaraz can overtake Jannik Sinner as World No. 1 by going further in the tournament than his Italian rival.
Alcaraz’s win over Opelka saw him achieve a feat that only Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg had achieved previously.
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Carlos Alcaraz wins 19 straight Grand Slam first round matches
Alcaraz’s win over Opelka was his nineteenth victory in first round matches at any of the four Grand Slams.
The World No. 2 is yet to lose in the first round of one of tennis’ biggest tournaments, dating back all the way to the 2021 Australian Open.
The Spaniard’s worst performance at a Grand Slam came at the 2024 US Open, but even then Alcaraz crashed out at the second round phase.
The star lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the 2024 US Open after defeating Li Tu in the first round.
Alcaraz will play Mattia Bellucci in the second round of the 2025 US Open, which is scheduled to take place on August 27, with the order of play yet to be confirmed.
Carlos Alcaraz has already beaten his 2024 tennis record
The Spaniard has been mightily impressive in 2025 and that’s been proven by the star already breaking his record of wins from last year.
The World No. 2’s win over Opelka at the US Open saw him notch up his 55th win of the year, one more than the 54 he managed in 2024.
Alcaraz’s most wins in a calendar year came in 2023 when he won 65 matches in a season that saw him win his debut Wimbledon.
If Alcaraz wins the US Open, he would be just four matches away from breaking his own record of wins in a calendar season.