Alcaraz was seemingly a bit stunned after hearing Kyrgios called him a US Open favorite.
Carlos Alcaraz was a bit stunned after hearing that Nick Kyrgios called him one of the US Open title favorites. Alcaraz, 19, has won two Masters titles this season and he is currently the third-seeded player in the US Open main draw.
After winning two Masters titles and breaking into the top-5 this year, Alcaraz is hoping to cap off his great season with a first Grand Slam title. “For me (it) is crazy that Kyrgios says that I’m the favourite or I’m going to win the tournament.
I would say he’s one of the favourites as well. He has the level. I would say he’s more serious off the court. I would say he plays unbelievable. Everybody knows that. Yeah, he’s one of the favourites to win the tournament as well,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz defeated Jenson Brooksby to reach the US Open last-16
On Saturday, Alcaraz saw off Brooksby 6-3 6-3 6-3 to set up a US Open last-16 meeting with Marin Cilic. After losing the first two sets, Brooksby started the third set with back-to-back breaks and a 3-0 lead.
But Brooksby’s lead was short-lived as Alcaraz responded with three consecutive breaks to win six games in a row and complete a three-set win. “I just thought that I had to be focused to stay playing at the same level,” Alcaraz said.
“I knew I was going to have my chances to break his serve and stay in the set. I would say he got down a little bit after the second break. I make the most of my opportunities in the third set. I just tried to play at the same level and trying to be aggressive.
“Against Cilic, Alcaraz has a 2-1 head-to-head record. Alcaraz lost to Cilic in Estoril last year, but has defeated the Croatian two times this season. It remains to be seen if Alcaraz can clinch his third win over Cilic when he meets the Croatian at Flushing Meadows.
