(Tennis news) World No. 1 Alcaraz defeated Dan Evans in the third round after a quite challenging match. When the defending champion dropped just five games to grab a commanding two-set lead, it appeared that he had the match under control.

To stop Alcaraz’s advancement, Evans, though, cut the deficit by winning the third set with a loss of three games. However, it would only be a short setback as the Spaniard quickly gained control, scoring another 6-3 set to secure the triumph in three hours and ten minutes.

Evans rallied with 28 of his own after the soon-to-be World No. 2 stormed past him with 60 victories, but Alcaraz’s superior consistency was too much for the Brit. Alcaraz is currently 56-6 on the year and 14-1 in New York after defeating Evans for the third time in a row.

Earlier this week, the Spaniard defeated Dominik Koepfer and Lloyd Harris to begin his title defence.

The 16th seed Cameron Norrie was defeated in straight sets by the 61st-ranked Arnaldi, who advanced to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time. The 22-year-old took the initiative and won the first game by losing three.

Arnaldi then dropped four games in the following set to go up a set. Arnaldi produced another 6-3 set to climb to 13-9 on the season and 3-0 in his Flushing Meadows debut, while the left-handed Norrie was unable to respond.

The 22-year-old defeated Jasun Kubler and Arthur Fils earlier this week to go to the third round.

Head-to-Head

The two players have never faced off against one another, hence they have a 0-0 head-to-head record.

Predictions

Alcaraz and Arnaldi are both classic baserunners, but that is the extent of their similarity.

Alcaraz is hailed as a future icon and one of the top young athletes in the sport. He moves well and is really athletic. He also has a massive serve and can hit hard off either flank. Arnaldi, on the other hand, possesses less powerful weapons.

Alcaraz also has the advantage because of his superior background, experience, consistency, and pedigree, particularly at Grand Slams where he has two titles and a 39-8 record. While Arnaldi is only 4-2 in majors.

In addition, Alcaraz is the younger of the two players, having lost just one set in three encounters compared to Arnaldi’s two. Expect the Spanish player to easily cruise to victory.

Alcaraz to win in 3 sets.

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