By the time Carlos Alcaraz turned 12, Li Tu had already retired once. The Australian was exhausted and, at just 18 in 2014, was burdened by expectations.
Tu returned to tennis six years later and what was clear on Tuesday night was that the 28-year-old was not going to let this first encounter, in his second coming, go to waste.
The world number 186 made a promise before this first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium: no matter what happens, he will try to give Alcaraz, the 2022 champion, “three, four or five sets of hell.”
So Tu tried everything and gave it his all against the No. 3 seed as well. He fell on the opening point and in the second game. He split – twice – and hit an underarm serve that barely made it into the net.
His resistance was finally broken after four sets and almost three hours. But not before Tu put his body through hell and put Alcaraz through a tough test. The Spaniard eventually triumphed 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the second round of the US Open with a four-set victory over Li Tu
The Australian qualifier won the hearts of fans in his US Open debut on Tuesday night.
Their paths had never crossed until Tuesday night. They normally play on different tours and operate in different worlds. They were always unlikely dance partners: a player who had entered qualifying and was making his U.S. Open debut and the sport’s young superstar. But on Tuesday night they combined to bring the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium to its feet.
What threatened to be a brutal and very brief beatdown turned into a brilliant fight. Everyone loved it, except Alcaraz and his team. While Tu rose to the occasion and Arthur Ashe turned up the volume, Alcaraz chattered to himself and his corner.
He could have done without that training, especially after twisting his ankle in practice a few days ago. The only positive? He’s into the second round and his body held up, too. But the Spaniard will be concerned about how much his game fell apart at times. He made just two unforced errors in a first set that flew by. He made 18 in the second and Tu leveled the match.
Part of that change was down to the player who had made it through the qualifiers, who normally plays on the Challenger circuit and who had qualified for the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time. Tu looked on the verge of drowning early on, but managed to find his way and delight the stadium with some wonderful rallies.
Alcaraz became frustrated when Tu gained ground and began to enjoy himself in New York.
But much of Alcaraz’s stumbles were the result of his own erratic performances. At times, he was a shadow of the Spaniard who electrified Arthur Ashe in years past.
There is no time to panic yet, but if he is to triumph again next week and become only the seventh man in the Open Era to win three Slams in a year, the 21-year-old will need to find several more gears.
Moments before entering the Arthur Ashe, Tu was asked by his compatriot Nick Kyrgios if he could pull off an upset. Tu was not convinced and quickly explained why. The qualifier dropped serve at love in the opening game and was trailing 3-0 after ten minutes. He had won just three points in that time.
You haven’t won a match at ATP level all year. No wonder a smile appeared on the Australian’s face when he finally managed to score. He got the crowd excited and pumped his fist. Before long, we had a match in our hands.
The Spaniard, who triumphed here in 2022, was not at his best in the first round
Tu stunned the world number 3 by winning the second set and then waved to the crowd with his ear.
As Tu gained ground, Alcaraz became wilder. Still, at 4-3 in the second set, the world No. 3 was a break ahead and heading for an early night.
Unfortunately, his opponent had other ideas: Tu broke Alcaraz’s serve to level the set and then tie the match. He needed five set points and celebrated by touching his ear in the direction of the crowd.
You had never faced a top-50 player in your career until Tuesday night. Who can blame you for enjoying yourself? In the end, though, Alcaraz righted the ship and began pounding the Australian into submission. From 2-3 down in the third set, you won nine straight games.
Tu looked exhausted, but there was still time for one last battle: the Australian saved two match points to avoid a bagel. By then, the crowd was already cheering his name. Here, they adore Alcaraz, but even he stood up and applauded when Arthur Ashe said goodbye to another player who won many hearts.
The two players shared a warm embrace after Alcaraz secured a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory.