Carlos Alcaraz matches Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg record after his opening round win at the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz commenced his US Open campaign with a straight sets victory.

The 22-year-old suffered a shock second round defeat at Flushing Meadows a year ago courtesy of Botic van de Zandschulp.

The Spaniard is keen to change that and he has moved one step closer to bettering that performance at the US Open this year.

Carlos Alcaraz opened his campaign against home favourite Reilly Opelka, a tough opponent to face in the opening round of a Grand Slam, but the world number three passed the challenge with flying colours.

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Carlos Alcaraz equals Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg Open Era record after reaching US Open second round

Alcaraz was given little to no rhythm against Opelka, who possesses one of the fastest serves on the ATP Tour.

The American was looking to use his serve to gain the upper hand in rallies and also keep the exchanges short.

But Alcaraz was still able to create 11 break point chances, three of which he converted in the two-hour, five-minute contest.

The world number two sealed a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory to earn a spot in the second round and maintain his streak of 19 opening round matches at Grand Slams without a defeat.

This is an Open Era record shared by Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg and Alcaraz has now equalled the two legends.

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Carlos Alcaraz reacts after beating Reilly Opelka to reach the US Open second round

Alcaraz faced Opelka for the first time and he was pleased to emerge victorious without dropping a set.

He was excellent on his serve, as he won 86% of points on his first serve and 85% behind the second serve.

It was important to take care of his own serve when up against someone who serves as well as Opelka, and Alcaraz was very happy to reach round two without any hiccups along the way.

“Today was a really difficult one against a really great player,” Alcaraz said post-match. “With [Reilly’s] serve, I couldn’t get that rhythm I wanted to get in the match, but I’m just really happy with everything I’ve done today.

“I think the return was one of the best things I did today and then I just tried to pay my best tennis, be focused on the serve. I think overall, I did a great performance today.”

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