Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the US Open third round with a fine display against Mattia Bellucci, but he apologised to the crowd after his win.
Alcaraz matched a Rafael Nadal record at the US Open in his first-round match and he continued to breeze through the tournament against Bellucci.
The Spaniard defeated Bellucci in straight sets on Arthur Ashe to continue his safe passage at the US Open.
The World No. 2, who could usurp Jannik Sinner as World No. 1 at the tournament, apologised to the American crowd.
Carlos Alcaraz apologised for his short display at the US Open
Alcaraz was on and off the court at the US Open as quick as a flash as he continued his supreme form at Flushing Meadows.
“I gotta say sorry to the people,” said the World No. 2 after dispatching the Italian in just over an hour and a half.
Alcaraz dropped just four games against the Italian as he secured his place in the third round of the competition he won in 2022.
After the Arthur Ashe crowd laughed along with the Spaniard, the five-time Grand Slam champion joked: “I gotta do my job.”
Alcaraz plays another Italian in the third round, with Luciano Darderi up next for the Spaniard on August 29.
Carlos Alcaraz set for another career first at the US Open
Alcaraz had only ever played Mattia Bellucci in a challenger event before dispatching the Italian at the US Open.
The World No. 2 will play another first-time foe in the third round against Luciano Darderi, a player he’s yet to meet on the ATP Tour.
Darderi is currently ranked World No. 35 and he defeated Rinky Hijikata and Eliot Spizzirri to reach the third round.
The winner of the match will play the winner of the all-French battle between Benjamin Bonzi and Arthur Rinderknech.