Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca squared off for the first time in their careers at the Miami Open on Friday night.
The first chapter – in the hope of many – surprisingly went to Alcaraz, who won 6-4, 6-4 after one hour and 35 minutes. The top-ranked Spaniard saved all three break points he faced, so one break in each set was enough to advance.
“I think I was good in key moments,” Alcaraz said. “I was very good from the beginning until the last ball. I know how good Joao is, that’s why I was really focused, every point, every shot. I’m happy to stay calm, to stay positive in those moments. Most of the games, I worked very well – which was the best weapon today for me.
“For him, playing toe to toe [me and Jannik Sinner]I think he and his team will get good feedback to know what to improve in the future. I think he has everything, great photos – a lot of things to improve, but he will definitely. Back-to-back tournaments between the No. 1 and No. 2 in the world I think it will help him a lot.”
Fonseca lost to Sinner 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in the fourth round of Indian Wells.
Next up for Alcaraz is Sebastian Korda, who easily eliminated Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-0, 6-3.
