Alcaraz, Swiatek dominate in Miami Open
MIAMI: Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek cruised to straight set victories at the Miami Open on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) while the home nation suffered a series of early exits.
Spaniard Alcaraz was simply too much for his compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena as he powered to a 6-2 6-1 win in 85 minutes.
In the WTA event, Swiatek was even more dominant, beating Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-1 as the rain-impacted tournament packed in the big names including postponed matches from Friday.
Alcaraz is looking to complete the “Sunshine Double” after his victory in Indian Wells last week and the two-time Grand Slam winner looked in formidable form.
The 20-year-old was on top from the start, powerful from the baseline but willing to approach the net as he hit 10 winners to one in the opening set.
He saved all three break points that he faced against his 64th ranked opponent, who asked some tough questions at times but usually received an emphatic response.
Alcaraz has now won 11 straight matches against Spaniards but in the third round will face the winner of the contest between France’s Gael Monfils and Australian Jordan Thompson.
Swiatek needed just 67 minutes to cruise past Italy’s Camila Giorgi 6-1 6-1 and the Pole was pleased with her progress.
“I was feeling really pretty confident and I just wanted to see how I’m going to feel the surface. It was all really comfortable, so I’m happy,” she said.
But it was a tough day for the American men.
Taylor Fritz was upset by Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild in straight sets as three of the four top ranked US men tumbled out of the tournament.
Wearing the bright yellow of Brazil, Seyboth Wild, ranked 76th in the world and cheered on by loud support from his compatriots on stadium court, produced some impressive winners and some flamboyant shots on his way to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 12thseeded Fritz.
Britain’s Andy Murray, a two-time winner in Miami, advanced to the third round with a 7-6 (7/0) 6-3 win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry.